7th September 2009,

Vernon wins Australia's first Deaflympic Gold

Melinda Vernon last night won Australia's first Gold medal of the 2009 Taipei Deaflympic Games producing a breathtaking performance to win the women's 10,000 metres.

The 23-year-old, who was born profoundly deaf, stamped her credentials as the world’s premier deaf female middle distance runner leading from start to finish and recording a commanding win.

Vernon took control of the race early setting a new Deaflympic Games Record time of 35.14 in the difficult hot and humid conditions.

Vernon set a cracking pace early in the race and jumped out to an early lead after the first lap with the rest of the field struggling to match her intensity. The conditions were energy sapping and Melinda had to dig deep with her superior fitness and condition showing in the end as she finished 18 seconds ahead of the second place getter from Russia.   

After crossing the line Melinda collapsed to the ground as the effort and emotion of winning gold took over. She then raced to the stands where a boisterous crowd of over 50 Australian Supporters were cheering her on to thank them before running a lap of honour with the Australian flag proudly draped over her shoulders.

"To win Australia’s first Gold Medal at the Games is fantastic," there was a lot of pressure going into the race as favourite but I am thrilled that all the hard work preparing has paid off,” said Vernon.

"The Deaflympics is a great chance to gain more international experience and do my country proud and I will learn so much from tonight’s race”, said Vernon.

It was a proud moment as Melinda jumped up on the victory dias to be presented with her gold medal as she joined an illustrious group of Australians who have won Deaflympic Gold.

Melinda’s victory in the 10,000 metres is the start of a busy campaign with her also competing in the 1500m and 5000m, where again she is expected to perform strongly and be in medal contention.

A former National open 10,000 metre champion and recent winner of the prestigious City2Surf Fun Run, Melinda now has her sights set on the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and 2012 London Olympics.

back to top ^
X