Mel's legs keep the peace in Maxfield - Residents say Olympic gold medallist brought love to their community
Published: Saturday | August 15, 2009
Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Standing in the community of Waterhouse, Melaine Walker's mother, Jenefer Wilson, shows how proud she is of her daughter's achievement, even before a step has been taken in the 400 metres hurdles at the World Championships in Berlin. In the background, the mural depicting Walker's celebrations after striking gold at the Beijing Olympics remains in prestine condition.
Shernette Gillispie and David Fowler, Gleaner Interns
Three barking dogs greeted us, but the people were warm and welcoming as we roamed the community of Gordon Lane in Maxfield seeking intimate details on the life of Melaine Walker, affectionately called Mel.
"She will definitely get a gold or two," Ionie Salmon, a resident of the community, firmly stated.
This was the general comment echoed by most members of the Maxfield community.
It seemed that every person, no matter how young, as long as he or she could think, was expecting nothing less than victory when Melaine competes in the 400 metre hurdles at the World Championships on Thursday.
"Mi a hope seh shi win. Mi nah look fi nutt'n less," said a boy no older than seven who happened to be riding his bicycle near to the Gleaner team.
Ryan Fowler, after also overhearing our conversation, quickly came to voice his opinion.
"It is strongly likely she will make a record because she is training and keeping fit," he said.
A group of men from the adjacent Sunlight Street were echoing similar sentiments.
"Well, we wish her the best as always," they said.
"She brings back the spotlight on the 'Gaza strip'."
They told The Gleaner that after winning in the Beijing Olympics last year, Mel made a proposal for them.
According to the men, Mel said that "if wi keep di peace, she will perform well".
As if what has been said needed any solid evidence to support the claim, a group of boys, ranging from eight to 15 years old, spoke of Mel's personality.
"She is like wi hero. Wi really look-up to har," they confessed.
They told The Gleaner how loving the gold medallist is and recounted countless stories of her playing with and kissing them. She also held parties in their honour.
Fifteen-year-old Patrick Lindsay said, "Mi admire her as a runner and she just inspire me to go for the best."
However, even at their tender age, they too could attest to the peace that now settles in the area based on the success of the 26-year-old Olympian.
The joy, which Mel has spread throughout the Maxfield community, comes as no surprise to the humble Jenefer Wilson, mother of Melaine.
"Mel has always been a loving and giving person."
Wilson said that when Mel was about 13 years old, she pointed at a car and told her that one day she (Mel) would buy a car like that. Wilson, a domestic worker at the time, said she questioned Mel about where she was going to get the money to buy the car and she replied: "Mi legs a go give mi."
