Daegu, South Korea:

Team leader Grace Jackson believes that the notion among some local track and field fans that Jamaica's team here at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics has been underperforming is an unfair one and went on to point out that the vibe in the camp is positive.

Two years ago in Berlin, Germany, Jamaica registered its highest medal tally at the IAAF World Champion-ships with 13 podium finishes (7 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze) and although some of the events that were already completed at this point in Berlin are yet to be settled in Daegu, the country had already secured nine medals in Berlin and also had more finalists.

"The vibe in the camp is good and everyone is in positive spirits," Jackson said.

"We recognise where we are and what this means to the people of Jamaica and everyone is confident that the second half of the championships will belong to us."

Jackson echoed the concerns of women's 400m silver medalist Melaine Walker, who was upset that she was assigned lane eight for the final despite finishing second in her semi-final.

lane eight

"We have received a lot of lane eights and so we have asked the athletes to try and win their heats and semi-finals if they can without too much trouble," Jackson noted.

"We hold our team meetings where we use the opportunity to speak on one or two issues, but we are a family here, the vibe in the camp is a good one and everyone is in high spirits," Jackson added.

The Olympian admitted that there was however, a need to offer greater support to the athletes, who are still engaged in competition.

"There is a need for greater support and we have all rallied behind the team, those who have completed their participation at the championships will be available to offer their support for their teammates as well, " said Jackson.