TWO years ago, Javon Francis ran one of the most amazing 400 metres anchor legs at the highest level in the final of the men's 4x400m in Moscow to give Jamaica a silver medal at the World Championships.

The former Calabar High outstanding quarter miler, in his first major senior championships, ran like a man on fire as he took Jamaica from out-of-medal contention to its ninth relay medal in the event at these championships.

It was the fifth time the country was winning silver, following similar medals in 1995, 1999, 2001, and 2003.

Francis' stock has risen since. He captured the 400m title at this year's National Senior Championships and will spearhead the Jamaica team once again.

Both Francis and Rusheen McDonald are the only two sub-45 second men in the team, and if both advance to the final of the individual event, the task will be much harder for Jamaica to move to the final.

Dane Hyatt, Peter Matthews, Ricardo Chambers, and, possibly, hurdlers Leford Green and Annsert Whyte will have to step up big time after average seasons so far.

Chambers was belatedly added to the pool and his presence could be significant here.

Jamaica will also have to improve on its season best 3:00.23 done in finishing fourth at the World Relays in the Bahamas.

Caribbean teams Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas, along with the United States and Belgium look the likely teams in Jamaica's way.

This will be one of the most competitive mile relays at these championships.

The United States, Bahamas, and Trinidad with their winning time of 2:59.60 at the Pan Am Games in Canada, look tough.

On paper, the USA has four athletes, Lashawn Merritt, Vernon Norwood, David Verburgh and Tony McQuay, that have gone sub-45 seconds this season.

A fit Trinidad and Tobago team with Machel Cedeno, Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow, and Deon Lendore cannot be taken lightly.

TOP THREE

1. USA 2. Trinidad 3. Bahamas.

- R.G.