Elton Tucker, Assistant Editor

Jamaica's Nickiesha Wilson. - AP

BEIJING, China

Last year, at the World Championships in Osaka, Nickiesha Wilson surprised many by reaching the final of the 400 metres hurdles and placing fourth in 54.10 seconds.

Now she has her sights firmly set on doing even better when she graces the track on Sunday in the first round of the event at the Beijing Olympic Stadium.

The Louisiana State University (LSU) student is looking to not only reach the final but to dip below 53 seconds and win a medal for Jamaica.

Not hiding

Wilson, who attended Convent of Mercy (Alpha) before leaving home to attend school in the United States, has not been seen on the track since placing second to Melaine Walker at the National Championships in June but, according to her, she has 'not been hiding.'

"Things have been going good. I have just been preparing to the best I can," Wilson said while relaxing at the Games Village on Wednesday.

Walker is the world leader and national champion but Wilson, who is coached by the top man at LSU, Dennis Shaver, is confident that she can spring a few more surprises this year.

"I am aiming to go low 53 seconds, or even 52-plus if that is what it will take for me to win," the supremely confident Wilson who turned 22 on July 28 said.

Low 53 form

According to Wilson, she has been displaying low 53s form without the crowd watching but will also show it on the track when the right time comes.

Wilson, who thinks a 53.00 flat or 53.10 will win gold here in the 400m hurdles final, said her fitness is at the level where those times can be achieved.

"Most of the time I am on 52 seconds pace in practice," she said.

If Wilson or world leader Walker wins the event they will emulate the feat of Deon Hemmings who, in the 1996 Atlanta Games, won the 400 metres hurdles gold to become the first Jamaican woman to win a final at the Olympics.

Walker, who won at the national trials in 54.58, has since lowered her season best to a world leading 53.48 and is the one to beat. Wilson will also have to be at her best to finish ahead of Americans Tiffany Williams, Sheena Tosta and their 'dark horse' compatriot, 19-year-old 'third string' Queen Harrison.

The heats of the women's 400m hurdles will be run on Sunday with the semi-finals the following day. The big final is set for Wednesday.