The spunky Jamaican kept her composure after trailing American, Sheena Tosta (formerly Sheena Johnson) for most of the race. Walker is now Jamaica's 2nd Olympic champion at the event following the footsteps of pioneer Deon Hemmings - McCatty. Interestingly, in winning the gruelling event, Walker eclipsed McCatty's 12 year old record Olympic and National record. Thus becoming Jamaica's 3rd gold medalist at the championships following the exploits of sensation Usain Bolt and Jamaica's newly crowned sprint queen Shelly - ann Fraser.
Walker's victory catapults the Jamaican contingent to the top of the track & field medal table with 7 medals (4 gold and 3 silver)
Melaine (sometimes pronounced MEL - LAIN - EEE) won the silver medal at the 2002 world junior championships held in Kingston, Jamaica. She later went on to represent Essex community college where she enjoyed some success. After her stint at Essex she moved on to the university of Texas (at Austin) where she earned many NCAA All American honours. The versatile Walker finished 3rd in the 100m hurdles along with capturing her pet event, the 400m hurdles in her senior year. Unfortunately, minutes after capturing the NCAA title she was disqualified for improperly clearing a hurdle.
Walker has been on the verge of Olympic greatness since leaving high school which makes her current form and recent accomplishments surprising to few.
Jamaica proudly salutes you Melaine!
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