DESPITE a gallant effort by fencer Tia Simms-Lymn in the women’s épée individual event, Jamaica still awaits its first medal at the Second IOC Youth Olympics being staged in Nanjing, China.

The UK-based 15-year-old battled her way to the quarter-finals where she lost 15-10 to American Catherine Nixon, who lost in the bronze medal game.

After advancing from pool play, the Jamaican beat Egypt’s Shirwit Gaber 15-5, reducing the African to tears before advancing to the quarter-finals.

The beach volleyball team of Rojay Hutchinson and Shavar Bryan lost back-to-back games, beaten 2-0 by Congo in two competitive sets 23-21, 21-17.

They had lost their opening game by the same margin to Brazil on Sunday (21-8,

21-12) and face Germany today.

Both swimmers will be in the pool today in sprint events. Tymothy Wynter, who failed to advance in the 100m backstroke, will hope for better luck in the 50m backstroke, while Siddrell Williams takes part in the 50m freestyle.

Medal hopes will heighten tomorrow with the start of the track and field programme where 15 of the 20 Jamaicans will take part.