We all know that talent is hugely important for success in sport.

But equally, even more so perhaps, is mental strength — power of the mind; the will to win no matter what.

Jamaicans have had reason to celebrate that strength of mind a few times this year.

We will never forget our Reggae Girlz at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in mid-year. Against all odds, the Jamaicans, who had given up multiple goals while losing to all opponents in their first World Cup in 2019, stunned the world by reaching the Round of 16, eliminating mighty Brazil in the process.

Incredibly, the Jamaicans drew 0-0 with both France and Brazil, while beating Panama 1-0. They were knocked out in the Round of 16, but not before giving their all in a 0-1 loss to Colombia.

Shortly after, amid a glorious campaign by Jamaican athletes at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, 21-year-old Mr Antonio Watson stole the show with the power of his mind. Entering the final straight in the 400-metre final, Mr Watson’s best medal hope appeared to be bronze.

But, his face a mask of grit and awesome determination, Mr Watson ran past the field to win gold.

From a broader Caribbean perspective, that power of mind was much to the fore on Friday as West Indies ‘A’ thrillingly defeated South Africa ‘A’ by one wicket in the first of three unofficial cricket Tests in South Africa. At 119-7, chasing 224 to win on a wearing last-day pitch, the visitors were surely out of it. But 24-year-old Guyanese Mr Kevin Sinclair, who ended unbeaten on 80, shielded and cajoled lower- order partners to stay with him, as West Indies ‘A’ reached 224-9, leaving their hosts stunned.

For Jamaicans dreaming of a place at the FIFA Men’s World Cup in North America come 2026, the historic, come-from-behind 3-2 win over high-riding Canada in sleet and rain in Toronto on Tuesday night was like manna from heaven.

Far more than talent, here was massive manifestation of the stubborn, never-say-die Jamaican spirit as the Reggae Boyz advanced to the final four of the Concacaf Nations League and an automatic spot in next year’s Copa America.

After their 1-2 loss to the Canadians in Kingston last Saturday, few would’ve put money on the Jamaicans, more especially since even should they win, they would’ve had to score at least twice because of the away-goal, tiebreak rule in order to advance.

All seemed lost when, despite the heroics of goalkeeper Mr Andre Blake, the Canadians were leading 1-0 on the night at half-time, for an aggregate 3-1 lead.

Then came an inspired decision to push the strong-minded central defender Mr Damion Lowe — son of 1998 World Cup hero Mr Onandi Lowe — into midfield.

Few will forget that vision of fierce, unyielding determination as the powerfully-built Mr Lowe drove his teammates forward. Three second-half goals meant the Reggae Boyz beat their hosts 3-2 — first-ever victory by a Jamaican senior men’s national team on Canadian soil — to advance on away goals.

Even when the hugely gifted and influential midfielder Mr Demarai Gray was red-carded with 12 minutes — including time added — remaining, one sensed that on this night the Reggae Boyz would not yield.

Of such stuff are champions made.