Kingston JAM - Jamaica will be represented by 24 athletes at the IAAF Maroc Telecom World Youth Championships, which take place in the historic city of Marrakesh, Morocco, from today and finish Sunday 17 July.

Jamaica took two gold and two silver medals at the 2003 World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Canada. The team to this year's meet left the Caribbean for the north-west African nation last weekend. This time around, the women are clearly Jamaica's stronger suit.

Schillonie Calvert is the headliner for the Jamaicans, the fastest non-American 200m runner under the age of 18, according to the latest available performance lists, and sixth fastest for the century.

Turning 17 in two weeks, Calvert's 23.44 speed should easily earn her a spot in the final, and perhaps a medal in the half-lap event. Her recent run of 11.64 at Jamaica's national championships could also earn her a final spot.

Just 16 years old this year, LaToya King turned in a run of 23.68 to win the under-17 200m at CARIFTA. She is one to watch closely, as she is eligible for the IAAF World Junior Championships in 2006 and 2008.

Meanwhile, in an event that is likely to be dominated by Australians, Natasha Ruddock should make the women's 100m Hurdles final. Another 16-year-old, she ran 13.72 to win the century hurdles title at CARIFTA this year.

Bobby-Gaye Wilkins is likely to attempt the 400m/800m double, though she is more competitive in the one-lap race. Wilkins is the fourth-fastest non-American in the performance list. Hurdlers Shermaine Williams and Andrea Sutherland, as well as horizontal jumpers Kimberly Williams and Kimona Smith, will also be in contention.

Among the young men, sprinter Cawayne Jervis has been impressive, as has Yohan Blake. Middle and long distance runner Theon O'Connor, the most outstanding performer at CARIFTA this year, has a lot of work to do to make an impact at world level. Quarter-miler Romel Lewis could also take on the 400m Hurdles, and sprint hurdlers Keiron Stewart and Andre Collins will seek to impress.