Sometimes it’s the smile that tells the full story.

For sure Ms Shericka Jackson, 31, and Mr Bryan Levell, 21, would’ve been much happier with hoped-for gold medals. But delightful photos of both, their faces aglow, shadowed by the black, green and gold, immediately after their respective 200-metre events on Friday, reflected great satisfaction with their work at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

They gained bronze medals in circumstances that varied significantly one from the other.

For, as our reporter in Tokyo, Mr Andre Lowe so creatively described it, Mr Levell is “a young sprinter stepping into his power on the global stage”; Ms Jackson, “a battle-worn star, who even below her brilliant best, still found a way to deliver”.

Ms Jackson — who has evolved down the years from the 400 metres to the shorter sprints — missed out on competition at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris because of injuries over the past two seasons.

For the rest of us watching from the sidelines she appeared to be gradually working her way back at the National Trials in mid-year.

And, after a seemingly creditable fourth place in the 100 metres in Tokyo — though Ms Jackson tells us she was disappointed — and encouraging 200m heat and semi-final runs, we dared to hope for gold.

However, for Ms Jackson, two-time defending champion in the World Championships 200m, the gold medal was a bridge too far this time around.

Grit, determination and, we dare say, her 400m strength, helped Ms Jackson to hold off American, Ms Anavia Battle for the bronze medal in 22.18 seconds behind stunningly talented gold medal winner, American Mrs Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and silver medallist Ms Amy Hunt of Great Britain.

We applaud Ms Jackson as she pats herself “on the shoulder” for overcoming adversity to gain that bronze medal. Hers is an example for all of us as we strive to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Although Mr Levell turned heads with a commanding performance at the National Trials, and has been equally impressive on the track circuit since, Tokyo was only his second senior global games following last year’s Olympics.

That meant expectations were in check for most Jamaicans, especially given the quality of competition.

Yet, such was Mr Levell’s confidence, poise, and obvious talent while dominating his heat and semi-final the reality became inescapable that he was on track for the podium.
Immense mental strength then became apparent in the final, as Mr Levell clocked a big personal best 19.64 to relegate Olympic champion Mr Letsile Tebogo of Botswana to fourth place in what our reporter hailed as “one of the races of the championship”.

The great American Mr Noah Lyles, who was third behind Jamaicans Messrs Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson in the 100 metres just under a week ago, underlined his quality with the 200m gold medal in 19.52. Silver went to another American Mr Kenny Bednarek (19.58).

Mr Levell’s showing was yet more evidence in Tokyo of a reawakening of high-quality performances by Jamaican men’s athletes following widespread bemoaning of seeming decline not so long ago.

It’s a pleasing trend we dare not take for granted.