Melaine Walker produced the fourth-fastest clocking of all time to win the Olympic 400m hurdles title

Jamaican Melaine Walker smashed the olympic record of the women's 400 metre hurdle race ahead of Sheena Tosta.

Walker was slow out of the blocks and spent most of the race trying to make up her early deficit. The two runners arrived at the last 100 metres nearly even before Walker powered away.

Walker's 52.64s was the fourth fastest time in history and bettered Fani Chalkia's record of 52.77s which she set in Athens four years ago.

Britain's Tasha Danvers, seen as an outside contender for a medal, was third in a personal best of 53.84 seconds.

Tiffany Williams of the U.S., who holds the world's second fastest time this year, finished eighth and last in the race.

Jamaica has now collected seven medals in Beijing, all in sprinting events, including coveted golds in both the men's and women's 100m races.

The women's hurdle race came just minutes after Jamaica's Usain Bolt won the 200m in a world record time of 19.30 seconds. Bolt, taking time to finish his victory lap, had to be ushered off the track to allow the women's race to start.

Jamaica and the US will predictably dominate today's final of the women's 200m, with three from each among the eight who will line-up.

Melaine in fine olympic style