The 400-metre hurdles were never Melaine Walker's preferred track and field discipline. The former world junior champion only transferred to the event after she was injured while competing at the high school Girls and Boys Championships for her alma mater, St Jago High school.

This was only two months before the World Junior Track and Field Champion-ships and her then coach, KC Graham, encouraged her to try the event.

"It was a struggle at first because she didn't want to do it, but I advised her that this was the only way she was going to make the team," said Graham.

To the surprise of many, Walker was first at the Jamaica trials that year, placing third in the event at the World Junior Champs.

Graham described Walker as one of the most talented athletes he had ever coached.

Walker is set to take gold in today's finals of the 400 metre hurdles in Beijing, China.

With a world leading time of 53.48 seconds, the 25-year-old is one of the favourites for the gold medal, along with the United States' Sheena Tosta.

Possible gold for Jamaica

The Maxfield Avenue resident will be aiming to give the country its second gold in the event at the Olympic Games in 12 years, following that of Deon Hemmings at the Atlanta Games, in 1996.

On Tuesday during the semi-final round Walker clocked an easy 54.20, the second fastest time going into the finals, behind Tosta's 54. 07, who also ran a personal best.

Graham believes she can take the gold. "She is someone who can do anything she sets her mind to," he told The Gleaner.

"How I knew this girl was special, one year when she was in Class Two, a couple weeks before Champs, she broke her shoulder."

This happened during a pre-sports day meet in high school. Not trained for the high jump, Walker decided to compete in the discipline, beating out several students to take first place.

"However, in the process she missed the bag and landed on her shoulder," Graham said.

Although doctors advised that Walker should not compete for the remainder of the year, she was determined to run. She went to the championships with her arm in a sling, copping first place in three disciplines - the 400 metres, the 100 and 200m sprints, both times beating Veronica Campbell.

Strong competitor

"That just goes to show that she's a girl that will compete under any circumstance," said Graham.

Olympian Deon Hemmings believes Walker is ready to go. "Physically she's ready, so long as she is mentally prepared and stays focus, I believe the gold medal is hers," Hemmings told The Gleaner on Monday from her home in Manchester.

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