Melinda Vernon is rolling up the world triathlon rankings

Springwood athlete Melinda Vernon is rolling up the world triathlon rankings after a season of thrills and spills overseas.

Deaf athlete Melinda Vernon has risen from a rank in the 300s to 92nd in the world after a stellar triathlon competition season spent overseas.

Athlete Melinda Vernon has risen from a rank in the 300s to 92nd in the world after a stellar triathlon season overseas.

This was the 29-year-old from Springwood’s first season as a pro triathlete, one that was filled with thrills and spills.

“It’s been a challenging first year as a pro triathlete being away from home for a long period,” said Vernon, who is deaf.

“I am a family-oriented person and it didn’t bode well with me, but regardless, the travelling and racing was a great and valuable learning experience.”

Vernon previously competed in marathons and other long distance running events before making theswitch to triathlons.

“I love the thrill, excitement and action of competing in sport, and always have set myself big goals,” she said.

“I was excited when I achieved my first podium (third) in Devonport in March. It was my first real outing as a pro triathlete and to achieve that on official debut was a nice feeling.

“Also my second place at the Geneva European Cup was a surprise bonus, as I had a bike accident during the race, but got back on to finish and run through the field. I didn’t know I was coming second until I was 500m from the finish!”

Action from the Luke Harrop Memorial Triathlon. (Kit Wise)

Melinda Vernon on the Gold Coast. (Kit Wise)

Melinda had to end her season early after a painful achilles forced her to pull out of the World Cup.

“I will be out for a while (unconfirmed time frame) but I am taking the time to treat it properly so it can be prevented for the future,” she said.

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Being a cochlear implant recipient, Melinda is an active member of the Cochlear Awareness Network.

Cochlear is also one of her major sponsors, which has assisted her greatly with funding for overseas travel, competing costs and training equipment.

Melinda Vernon at the Penrith Regatta Centre. (Phil Rogers)

“My hearing loss does affect some aspects of racing, such as having a slower start reaction, not being able to hear people cheer and shout out vital information from the sidelines, and not hearing the other athletes communicating in bike groups,” she said.

“But I try and put strategies in place to counteract these issues such as advising coach to communicate via visual signals during race.

“I want to thank my sponsors and supporters for standing by me this year. Also the support from my family and friends especially while I haven’t been there for them much this year is tremendous!”