World and Olympic 400m hurdles champion, Melaine Walker, embraces kids in her community on Maxfield Avenue, following her return to the island yesterday. - Ian Allen/Photographer

Olympic and World Championship 400m hurdles champion, Melaine Walker, says her next big goal is to break the event's world record, which at present stands at 52.34 seconds.

Speaking on her arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, Walker said the world record would complete her achievements, having already secured World Championships and Olympic gold medals.

"I have achieved more than I have anticipated and the next thing is to try and get the world record," said Walker, whose personal best time of 52.42 is second best ever behind world record holder, Russian Yuliya Pechenkina, who set the mark in 2003.

"I will be putting in the training that will be required and with competition expected to be stiff as usual, I am hopeful that it will happen in due time," she added.

Walker, who says she will now use the off-season to enjoy herself, also explained that while she ended the season on a high, it was not easy and came as a result of motivation from her main competitor, Lashinda Demus, and the support of her coach, management staff and family.

Opponent

"Things changed at the London meet when I met my main opponent, Lashinda Demus, when she beat me and I came second. The look on her face was like 'I am back to show you who is the best'," explained Walker.

"I was upset and said OK, I have to show her who is the best and change that look on her face.

"I then went to Berlin and took it one race at a time. I then went into the final and decided to run my race, stay with the pack and then coming off the turn show what I have got.

"I couldn't have done it without my family, the MVP squad, my coach and management and all those who have been praying and supporting me," added the 26-year-old.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the biggest world event of the athletic calendar next year, the Commonwealth Games, Walker said her participation depended on a number of factors.

Team spirit

"The Commonwealth Games is a possibility, but we will have to wait and see. A whole lot of things will happen between now and then and depending on what our coaches say and if the team spirit in the camp is right, I could participate. I would want to be a part of the mix," she said.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in October next year in India.