TOKYO, Japan — Jamaica’s campaign at the World Athletics Championships has hit its halfway mark with six medals already secured, and team manager Ian Forbes believes the athletes have delivered a good showing that sets a strong platform for the rest of the competition.

“Most definitely, it has been a solid first half of the championships for Jamaica,” Forbes told the Jamaica Observer. “I think we have started pretty well, not just with the number of medals but the quality of the medals, and I think it augurs well for the remainder of the championship. Our youngsters are really rising to the occasion, they have put in the work and we are seeing the results. It is most impressive.”

At the end of Day 5 of the championship on Wednesday, Jamaica had won one gold, four silver and one bronze medal in Tokyo and sit fifth on the medal table and third on the points-based placing table.

In terms of medals won, only the United States, with 10, and Kenya, with seven, have won more medals than the Jamaicans at this point.

Jamaica’s medal collection so far features a gold medal for Oblique Seville in the 100m, silver for Kishane Thompson in the men’s 100m; silver for Tina Clayton in the women’s 100m; silver and bronze for Orlando Bennett and Tyler Mason, respectively, in the men’s 110m hurdles, and most recently Tajay Gayle’s silver medal in the men’s long jump — a performance that Forbes singled out for special praise.

“Of course, for example, the long jump final with Tajay Gayle,” Forbes said. “A whole lot of persons would not have given Tajay a reasonable chance, but he was just 5cm away from the gold medal. Having done so in Doha and coming back six years later is an amazing accomplishment. You know he has been plagued with injuries for a number of years, so for him to rebound, and for him to stick through it, I must give him full commendation for the gallant effort.”

Beyond the medals, Forbes underlined the importance of the positive spirit that has carried the Jamaican team through the first half of the championships. He credited the unity and motivation within the camp for keeping performances sharp.

“Overall, I would give the energy rating an A,” Forbes said. “Very positive energy, the athletes are supporting and motivating each other and we are seeing good results, so we are hoping things will continue to trend in that direction. We are trying everything to facilitate them and ensure that happens.”

Not everything has been smooth sailing, however, with some athletes in and outside the Jamaican camp expressing frustration at transportation issues in Tokyo, stemming from the distance between the warm-up track and competition venue.

Forbes admitted that while the situation can be distracting, the team has worked hard to stay focused.

“For some, that is pretty off-putting, but then again it affects all athletes, so you just have to adjust, pivot, and focus in a positive way,” he explained.

Four Jamaicans will compete in finals on Thursday’s sixth day of competition with Shanieka Ricketts and Ackelia Smith lining up in the women’s triple jump final at 8:55 pm (6:55 am Jamaica time), while Rusheen “Big Bwoy” McDonald will contest the men’s 400m final at 10:10pm (8:10 am), and Nikisha Pryce the women’s equivalent at 10:24 pm (8:24 am).

Jamaica’s Tyler Mason (left) and Orlando Bennett celebrate with their respective bronze and silver medals won in the men’s 110m hurdles event during the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)