From Mental Strength to Record Speed: USA Athletes Shine

For the first time ever, USADSF brought dedicated sport and performance psychology services to the Deaflympics. The team partnered with mental performance consultants from the University of Western States’ Sport & Performance Psychology program—specialists who work directly with deaf and hard of hearing athletes. Their focus was simple: make mental performance a priority and ensure every athlete is able to be their best on and off their respective playing grounds.

Throughout the Games, the consultants worked across multiple teams, helping athletes sharpen competitive mindset, manage stress, and strengthen team unity. They also guided athletes through the unique demands of competing in a global deaf sporting environment, where communication, culture, and pressure all intersect.

By adapting traditional sports psychology methods to match deaf culture and communication needs, this collaboration set a new standard for inclusive high-performance support.

More Deaflympics Swim Records Broken Today

The morning heats delivered a major highlight as veteran U.S. swimmer Marcus Titus broke his own world record in the 50m Breaststroke with a time of 28.33. His performance marks the fourth swimming record broken by an American athlete at these Games, reinforcing the momentum and depth inside the U.S. lane. Titus is also the Deaf world record holder in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, and 100m breaststroke—all set at the World Deaf Championships.

The U.S. Mixed 4x100m Medley team delivered a historic swim in Tokyo, breaking the Deaf world record with a blazing 3:58.57. The relay featured Matthew Klotz on backstroke, Marcus Titus on breaststroke, Carli Cronk on butterfly, and Brooke Thompson on freestyle. Together, they crushed the previous 4:07 mark and became the first Deaf relay team to break the four-minute barrier—a defining moment for U.S. swimming at these Games.

Heartbreak and Hardware in the 400m Hurdles Final

At Komazawa Olympic Park Athletic Stadium, the Men’s 400m Hurdles Final took an unexpected turn. Jarvis Anderson was in strong contention for gold until a late stumble over the final hurdles dropped him into a hard-fought bronze. He still walked away with another medal, while teammate Taylor Koss pushed through to finish fourth. This marks Anderson’s third medal, completing a “medal sweep” of bronze, silver, and gold.

In the Women’s 400m Hurdles Final shortly after at 11:35 a.m., Olivia Coopwood delivered one of the gutsiest performances of the day. Competing with a sprained ankle and without a training partner or event coach, she powered her way to a well-earned bronze medal. Her resilience stood out as one of the defining moments of the meet.