Sanique Mekisha Walker’s decision to relocate to the Dominican Republic to train under the guidance of Olympic champion Félix Sánchez is beginning to pay dividends. On Saturday night at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, the Jamaican hurdler delivered a breakthrough performance, clocking a personal best 55.78 seconds to finish second in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Barbadian Tia-Adana Belle edged her at the line in 55.74, while the USA’s Bianca Stubler rounded out the top three in 56.52.

While the narrow loss stung, Walker was clear-eyed about the bigger picture—this was progress.

“I had a rough season last year. I didn’t break a minute,” she admitted. “I knew I needed a change, so I packed up my stuff, went to the DR, spoke to Coach Félix Sánchez, and he’s been doing wonders with me. I’ve run a personal best this year, and last season I couldn’t even break a minute.”

Walker came into the 2025 season heavier than she would have liked and credits both her coach and a change in her diet and training load for her turnaround.

“I came into this season a little overweight, but as the season progressed, I changed my diet,” she said. “I think that plays a huge part. Just doing a lot of volume helps too—and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Though satisfied with the new PB, the 27-year-old was visibly disappointed at finishing second—again.

“Tired of second place…” she muttered in frustration after the race, hands on hips, still catching her breath.

Her main challenge, she says, remains closing strong.

“I knew I was in the shape to get a personal best. I had a plan to come out here and do it,” Walker said. “But I’ve always struggled with the ending of my race. That’s what failed me today. The first 300 is never a problem, but it’s that last stretch where my weight comes into play.”

She remains focused on sharpening that final segment and believes the improvements will come in time.

“The work is not done. We’re still working on perfecting the last part of my race.”

With the Jamaican national trials just weeks away and a spot at the World Championships on the line, Walker believes she’s trending upward.

“I think I’m doing well now, rounding up well for trials. I’m in the right direction.”

The time may not have delivered a win in Kingston, but it confirmed what she and her coach already knew—Sanique Mekisha Walker is back on track.