Melis first major international event was 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Indianapolis, United States, she competed in the 3000 metres and finished 11th out of twelve starters and her time 10:24.79 was a new national record, later in the year she was then competing in Rome, Italy, at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, she entered the marathon and out of the 42 starters she finished in 30th.