Having conquered the world in the 400m hurdles, Jamaica’s Melaine Walker is now on a mission to impart her vast knowledge and experience at Portmore Missionary Prep School.

The 2008 Olympic gold medallist and 2009 World champion has been involved with the school’s track and field team since 2024.

Walker led them from 25th in 2023 to 17th place at the 2024 JISA Prep School Championships, and she is aiming for further improvement at this year’s event, eyeing a top 10 finish.

Now 42 years old, Walker is now understanding how difficult coaching is but relishes the challenges that come at the grass-roots level.

“I understand now what coaches have to go through,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“When the kids are not really coming to training. Some are not listening, and you know they have talent, and the parents don’t want them to run track. All of that is stressing for the coach,” Walker pointed out.

“I’m getting a feel and a hang of it. I’m really enjoying it. I don’t really have any problem at all. I really like it,” she emphasised.

Despite the challenges, Walker pointed out that there is no pressure on the kids and she expects an improved display from Portmore Missionary.

“The preparation is okay. I’m always optimistic. I think once you put in the work, it should show on your performance date,” said Walker.

She continued: “I think the athletes are doing a lot better than last year. They are running faster than last year. So, I just hope that they will be able to match up with the big teams this year.

“The aim is to get to the top 10. But no pressure. I mean, we’re just going to do what we can do.”

Walker started her coaching lessons at Hydel and was spotted by others who saw her potential and ability and thought she could be the right person to elevate Portmore Missionary.

But when asked if she ever thought of coaching seniors, she responded: “I am going to stay in my lane for a while. Even though a lot of people say this and that. I’m like, no. I have a lot to learn.”

“When you’re dealing with professional athletes, you have to have experience and you have to know what you are doing because people are paying you to make sure they can get to the next level,” she explained.

The JISA Prep Championships start today and end on Saturday at the National Stadium.