RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer

Master strokes by Jamaica's coaching staff, led by technical director Maurice Wilson, helped Jamaica win gold medals in the women's 4x100 metres and 4x400m at the 15th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing.

While there were no surprises in either quartet, it was the line-up in the 4x100m that was special.

Many thought there would have been problems due to limited relay practice going into the championships.

However, after one of the best bits of curve running ever seen at this level by the veteran Veronica Campbell-Brown in the 200 metres, she was inserted to lead off the one-lap relay.

Many thought that rookie Natasha Morrison would have done the lead-off leg, but with her, as well as Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce all coming from the MVP Track and Field Club, and with little practice being done at the camp, the coaching staff did the right thing by putting Campbell-Brown in an unfamiliar position.

Despite having four finalists in the women's 400m, no one gave Jamaica any chance of winning gold, as the United States were the overwhelming favourites.

With Francena McCorory, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Allyson Felix, no one could be blamed for not betting against them.

In a tactical move in the preliminary round, the 4x400m coach, Paul Francis, rested the two most experienced athletes - Novlene Williams Mills and Stephenie McPherson and, instead, used bronze medallist Shericka Jackson and fourth-place finisher Christine Day in helping the team to advance.

The Jamaicans were razor sharp for the final, as they were busy competing at the Championships, while there were question marks surrounding the United States' top-two athletes.

In the form of her life this season, Day blew away Richards-Ross on the opening leg to give Jackson a healthy lead.

Full of confidence after her bronze medal in the individual 400m, the rookie ran like a veteran to give McPherson an even bigger lead.

Despite Felix running a blinder on the third leg to pass McPherson, she did not panic, as she held her form well to give Williams-Mills the baton within striking distance of her opponent, and the rest is history.

The decisions of the coaching staff made the difference, and they must be lauded because often they get the blame when the things go wrong, and must be commended for a job well done.