Christopher Melenciano sets world record in 100m at Deaf Athletics Championships

Dominican sprinter Christopher Melenciano set a new world record for deaf athletes in the 100-meter dash at the XXIII Japanese Deaf Athletics Championships. Competing at the Heiwado HATO Stadium, Melenciano clocked a time of 10.17 seconds to secure the gold medal.

This performance breaks the previous world record of 10.21 seconds, which was held by American athlete Wendell Gaskin Jr. since June 1, 1996. Melenciano’s time reduces the long-standing record by four hundredths of a second.

Following his success in the 100 meters, Melenciano intends to defend his 200-meter title, a race in which he previously won gold at the 2022 championship in Brazil. He also recently competed in the mixed 4x400 meter relay alongside Marileidy Paulino during the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.