Excitement mounted as the former national athlete calmly stepped onto the running track, bracing herself for the fastest 1-mile (1.6km) run with handcuffs and the fastest 1-mile run barefoot (female).
The previous handcuff record had been set by Ireland’s Sandra Hickson in 2018, at six minutes and 37 seconds. The barefoot feat had never before been attempted.
“I’ve always wanted to test myself and see how far I can go, to do something extraordinary,” Melinder told FMT Lifestyle earlier. “If you ask me to just run, everybody can run. But not everybody can run with restrictions.”
Just days before, the 36-year-old mother of one had been battling a fever and tonsillitis. But she was determined not to let illness stand between her and her goal.
“This might affect my performance but as long as I’m not paralysed, I will do my best. I am confident I can do this because I am a long-distance runner.”
Indeed, athletics has long been a part of Melinder’s life. At age 18, she was offered a place at the Bukit Jalil Sports School for matriculation. She then received a sports scholarship to Universiti Putra Malaysia for a degree in human resource development.
In 2009, at 21, she broke the national 3,000m steeplechase record, recognised by the Malaysia Athletics Federation. She subsequently broke her own record three more times before retiring as a national athlete the following year.
At 24, she joined the Akademi Tentera Darat in Port Dickson, graduating as a second lieutenant. But, citing work pressure and familial obligations, she retired from the military after four years as a lieutenant.
While focusing on her family, she came up with the idea of attempting individual records. Before Saturday, she had already been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) five times, including for running non-stop on a treadmill for 25 hours and running backwards on a treadmill for 12 hours.
Still, merely breaking records has never been Melinder’s full intention. Recognising her ability to help the less fortunate, she has consistently raised funds for different NGOs through her record attempts over the years.
“I wanted to help the underprivileged kids,” she shared. “I am an athlete, but how can this benefit others? When I break the world record, of course I get the fame – but for me, it means nothing.”
Of course, none of this has been without its challenges. Physical demands aside, Melinder confessed that guilt sometimes crept in after a hard day of training.
“There are days I feel selfish because I have a daughter. I should be concentrating on her; she needs my attention and love. There are days after training I’m so tired, I cannot look after her,” she shared, tearing up.
“I hope that when she sees me breaking the world record, she will understand all I went through. When she is big, I will explain to her.”
Nevertheless, Melinder is grateful for her supportive family. And whenever possible, she spends time with her daughter and even trains with her, instilling in her the same athleticism and drive.
Fun fact: just last year, her daughter became the youngest Malaysian to reach the Everest Base Camp at 5,363m within five days.
Back at the arena, it was the moment of truth. Two police officers, acting as independent witnesses, ensured the handcuffs were securely fastened. Two timekeepers and the starter prepared themselves.
On her mark, get set, go! And just like that, clocking in at five minutes and 57 seconds, Melinder became the fastest woman to run a mile in handcuffs – a feat that automatically gained her a sixth MBR record.
After a short break, she ran barefoot for her second world record and clocked in at six minutes and four seconds, under the 6.5-minute benchmark provided by Guinness World Records.
Through these achievements, Melinder also raised about RM20,000 for the Gurpuri Foundation, an NGO that helps underprivileged children – some of whom were in the exuberant crowd on Saturday.
Even as the results await official Guinness World Records verification, Melinder was smiling ear to ear, elated with her performance.
“Sometimes the things you think are not possible for you to do, you can actually do. Just believe in yourself and go for it. Don’t think too much,” she concluded.
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