Walker turns up when it matters

It's a well-known fact that Melaine Walker is the embodiment of determination.

Who can forget her gutsy silver-medal finish in the final of the 400m hurdles at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, last year, despite serious injuries that threatened her participation and the unfancied lane-eight draw.

Walker has a habit of turning up when it matters and despite an up-and-down season so far, there was little doubt that the Olympic champion would make it count on Friday night's second day of the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships as the 400m hurdles final came around.

commanding start

After a commanding start, Walker, 54.77 seconds, consolidated her position in the middle of the race to power home ahead of MVP Track Club teammate Kaliese Spencer, 55.04, and Nickiesha Wilson, 55.50.

It didn't matter to Walker that she came into the race with a slower season best than her training partner, nor did it matter that she finished eighth in a pedestrian 56.26 just a matter of weeks ago at the Rome Golden Gala Diamond League meet.

Her ticket now safely booked to next month's Olympic Games, Walker has the assurance that she will get a chance to defend the title she won in Beijing four years ago.

"My body gets excited when it's time to do something big, it's either you're gonna show up or not show up and for me, these kind of races is the moment," said Walker. "I train hard for this, so why come here and just give up and let somebody win?"

"Last year wasn't good, but I came back and got a silver medal. I didn't expect that, but God is good and good things come to those who wait, and I am hoping to go out there and do my best; nothing less, I want to be on the podium and I will do what I must to be there," she added, before noting that she is coping much better these days with her injury issues.

"Last year was a rough year, if I didn't work as hard as I did, it wouldn't have ended the way it did. This year my body is coping, I know when to stop when I start feeling pain because it would only get worse. I have figured out how to deal with the pain and I hope by the time I get to the Olympics I will be in great shape," Walker stated.

Now a few weeks away from a possible consecutive Olympic gold medals, Walker is a bit wary of predictions, but as always, is more than willing to promise that she will show up in London with her best effort.

"I don't want to say too much obviously, because I don't like to make promises or anything like that, but you know the competitor I am and I always show up and I hope to do that all the time. I always try to do my very best and when my very best comes out, I hope it gets me a medal, but if not then glory to God," said Walker.

-André Lowe