Melaine Walker, left, Olympic 400-metre hurdles champion, greets her parents Jenefer Wilson and Japheth Walker on her arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston last night. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

With thaT characteristic gaping smile shining brightly as she exited the plane and came through the tunnel, Melaine Walker returned to Jamaica last night after two-and-a-half months competing abroad was capped by an Olympic gold medal in the 400-metre hurdles.

She walked right into the arms of her parents clearly happy to be home after reaching the zenith of her young career.

"I have one thing to say, the job is over now," said Walker. "Right now I just want to give thanks. Thanks to God, my parents, my coach."

Walker had much to be grateful for as she won Jamaica's second Olympic gold medal in the 400m hurdles following Deon Hemmings' in 1996. As Hemmings did, Walker also won with an Olympic record.

"Every time I stepped out there I said 'it's showtime'," added Walker, who typically had a pre-race routine similarly to Usain Bolt whenever the public announcer called her name. "I want to win, but I also want to entertain my people."

A throng of supporters greeted Walker outside before she was whisked away in a promotional car by Jamaica team sponsor Digicel.