Melaine Walker, Jamaican hurdler

Melaine Walker O.D., born on March 1, 1983, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a highly decorated Jamaican track and field athlete renowned for her exceptional prowess in the 400 metres hurdles. The "O.D." signifies her distinction as a recipient of the Order of Distinction, a prestigious national honour bestowed by the Jamaican government for outstanding service to the country. Walker carved out an illustrious career, cementing her legacy as an Olympic champion and one of the sport's all-time greats in her specialized event, which demands a unique blend of explosive speed, endurance, and precise hurdling technique over ten barriers.

Walker's career highlight undoubtedly came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she delivered a masterful performance to claim the gold medal in the women's 400 metres hurdles. Her dominant victory was punctuated by an extraordinary new Olympic record time of 52.64 seconds. This remarkable achievement not only secured her the coveted Olympic title but also established a new benchmark for the Games, showcasing her elite status on the global stage.

Building on her Olympic success, Melaine Walker continued her sensational form into the following year. At the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin, she once again demonstrated her world-class talent, clocking an astonishing time of 52.42 seconds. This phenomenal performance placed her then as the second fastest woman in the history of the 400 metres hurdles, narrowly behind the then-world record of 52.34 seconds held by Russia's Yuliya Pechonkina. Even today, over a decade later, Walker's 52.42 seconds remains among the elite top performances in the history of the event, standing as one of the fastest times ever recorded globally. Her consistency and ability to deliver peak performances on the biggest stages underscore her significant impact on the sport of track and field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melaine Walker

What does O.D. stand for in Melaine Walker's name?

O.D. stands for the Order of Distinction, a national honour awarded by the Jamaican government to individuals who have rendered outstanding and important services to Jamaica.

What was Melaine Walker's Olympic record time?

Melaine Walker set an Olympic record of 52.64 seconds in the 400 metres hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a time that stood as the Games record for several years.

How fast was Melaine Walker's best time in the 400m hurdles?

Melaine Walker's personal best and fastest time in the 400 metres hurdles is 52.42 seconds, which she achieved at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin. This time was the second fastest in history at the point of its setting and remains one of the fastest performances ever recorded in the event.