Former World and Olympic 400m champion Melaine Walker is one of five persons inducted into the NJCAA Track & Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the USTFCCCA Convention held in Orlando, Fl. December 17-18, 2013.
Melaine Walker (Athlete) joined the Essex County College (N.J.) squad in 2003 and in two years earned NJCAA All-American honors 10 times, including six national titles. She then moved on to the University of Texas where she was a six- time Big 12 Conference Champion while helping the Longhorns win the 2005 outdoor and 2006 indoor NCAA team championships.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Walker won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, establishing a new Olympic record in the event. She later won gold at the 2009 World Championships in the 400 hurdles followed by a sliver performance at the 2011 World Championships. Walker was recently inducted into the University of Texas Women's Athletics Hall of Honor.
Two other athletes Alleyne Francique and Sally Kipyego, along with coaches Ralph Neighbors and Clint Ramsey were also inducted.
"Our Coaches Association is proud to honor the men and women, who by their deeds as coaches and student-athletes have made our sport so great," said Michael Smart, NJCAA Track & Field Coaches Association President.
"The accomplishments of these five men and women have shown how vital NJCAA track & field is to the track & field collegiate and international community."
