From winning gold on the track to sleep deprivation and juggling childcare, life has changed significantly in the past few years for veteran athlete Melinda Vernon.

Sport was the furthest thing from Vernon's mind when her son was born 18 months ago.

But this year, Vernon, 40, decided to mount a comeback, qualifying for the Australian team for this year's Deaflympics, which begin this weekend in Tokyo.

Vernon had previously won medals in the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre track events at the 2009 and 2013 Deaflympics.

But at this year's competition, she is trying a new event — the marathon — with her son Hugo there to support her.

"He will definitely lift my strength and spirit when I see him; it's going to be perfect for him to see his mum every lap, have a high five if we're allowed,"

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