ONE national record was set and another equalled by Jamaica’s athletes who put in yet another master class performance to finish in second place at the 15th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Championships that finished in Beijing, China on Sunday.

Jamaica won 12 medals, seven gold, two silver and three bronze to finish behind first-time table toppers Kenya who also won seven gold, but had more silver- six and three bronze as well – to finish with 16.

The USA, who had for the most part a miserable championships, especially on the track, finished third with 18 medals, the most by the 43 countries that earned at least a bronze; but had six gold, six silver and six bronze.

Great Britain had their best showing in ages with seven medals- four gold, a silver and two bronze while Ethiopia was fifth with eight medals- three gold, three silver and two bronze.

The USA topped the points tables, calculated from the top eight in every event, with 214 points, Kenya was second with 173 and Jamaica third with 132.

In addition to the medals, Jamaica who fielded 53 athletes also placed fourth – three times, fifth – three times, sixth – twice, seventh – four times and eighth – three times for a total of 27 finalists including all four relay teams.

Disappointments in some areas such as the women’s 400m hurdles was balanced by surprise gold medals such as in the 100m hurdles where Danielle Williams shocked the world.

Looking deeper into the statistics, Jamaican athletes posted 11 personal best times, with three athletes, Peter Mathews, Shericka Jackson and Danielle Williams, lowering their times twice.

There were 21 season’s best performances with veteran quarter-miler Novlene Williams-Mills accounting for three, running faster in each of her rounds; Veronica Campbell Brown getting three, one in the 100m running her fastest time ever in a major championship, and two in the 200m where she grabbed a surprise bronze.

After a slow build-up Usain Bolt came good at the right time and had three season’s best performances, two of which took him to gold, defending his 100m and 200m titles, beating American Justin Gatlin both times.