'Nine medals is a great achievement' - Team management revels in WYC success

 André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

LILLE, France:

After leading Jamaica to its richest haul at the IAAF World Youth Championships (WYC) in Lille, France, members of the management and coaching staff took time out to weigh in on the team's performance throughout the five-day championships; singing high praise of the athletes.

Jamaica ended the WYC with nine medals - equalling their return from the 2007 championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

However, the shiny four gold medals are the country's most at this level. The tally was completed by one silver and four bronze medals.

In addition to the impressive medal count, Jamaica's young charges also posted seven personal records, with five out of the seven boys securing berths in their respective finals (100m champion and 200m silver medallist Odail Todd and Omar McLeod featuring in two finals each) and eight final spots (Chanice Porter double finalist and medallist) and a world record registered among the female ranks.

The team was crippled by injuries to key athletes - including sprinters Jazeel Murphy and Odean Skeen - and was competing in less than favourable conditions.

Elated manager

Team manager Trevor 'TC' Campbell was elated with the adaptability and determination shown by his "adopted children", but admitted that the team, particularly in the male department, could have done with an extra hand or two.

"I remember the first meeting we had at our mini-camp back in Jamaica and I said that the WYC is a tough meet and it has proven to be just that - from the weather to the accommodations but all in all, nine medals is a great achievement," said Campbell.

"The behavior was good and the performances followed, so there is not much more that we could have asked for.

"Yes, the team was a man or two short on the boys' side, we needed a specialist 400m runner, we didn't have that and the one who came was not in good shape, and we had to live with that," Campbell conceded.

"But the coaches did an excellent job, the kids stuck to it and we are very happy," Campbell continued.

Head coach Leacroft Bolt was wearing a big smile at the end of the championships. Bolt, along with Michael McIntosh and David Riley were in their element in Lille - just ask Todd and Porter, who both sang a tune of praise for the coaches in helping their team-leading performances.

"The team performed, as I told you at the camp, this was one of the most talented teams on paper. This is exactly what I said to you from the beginning of the camp and I am very happy. We all worked as a unit, and we have seen the result of it," said Bolt.

McIntosh believes that the youngsters' performances will lead to valuable experience heading into next year's IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

"It augurs well for us and all of these athletes will be eligible for the World Junior Championships next year, so there is work ahead, but they have shown their ability here and that they are among the best," said McIntosh.