Odail Todd

Lille, France:

He wasn't even supposed to be entered in the event, but after facing the field at the IAAF World Youth Championships (WYC) in Lille, France, Jamaica's Odail Todd rose to the occasion to secure gold in the boys 100m, in a personal best of 10.51 seconds.

Todd, one of the first out the blocks, held on to win ahead of Japan's Kazuma Oseto, who pressed him all the way with 10.52 seconds and France's Michael-Meba Zeze, 10.57 seconds.

The Carifta Games 200m silver medallist and national 100m and 200m junior champion claimed Jamaica's second gold and third overall medal at the WYC after Fedrick Dacres' discus win. Despite winning the bronze, girls 100m favourite Christania Williams was left disappointed after struggling over the last 40m and falling into third place with a time of 11.63 seconds.

Todd, as expected, was elated with the win and was thankful for the support that he has been receiving. The Green Island High student athlete was quick to point out that he was never bothered by any doubts surrounding his own abilities and that he is just happy to have brought pride to the country.

made Jamaica proud

"I knew it was never about proving anybody wrong, I know there were doubters but I'll say though that I'm happy that I went out there and made Jamaica proud," said Todd after his win, which secured Jamaica's second 100m WYC gold after Dexter Lee won the event at the 2007 championships in the Czech Republic with the very same time.

"I just want to thank Jamaica on a whole for supporting me and I'm happy that I was able to bring home the gold, I know how important this event is for us and I'm just happy that I was able to make the country proud again," Todd added.

"I'm extremely happy with this win. It feels really good, its feels great and I just have to thank God that I was able to come out here and do my best and my best turned out to be good enough," said Todd, whose win was the high point of a mixed day for the Jamaicans.

Both Jamaicans in the girls' 100m hurdles final failed to medal with Chrisdale McCarthy finishing fifth with a personal-best 13.55 seconds and Megan Simmonds running sixth in 13.78 seconds.

Odail Todd