Navasky Anderson has taken Jamaica’s 800m to a different level, lowering the national record to an astonishing 1:42.76 despite finishing seventh at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo on Saturday (September 20).

Anderson, who called himself the “People’s champion”, has indeed won the hearts of every citizen after becoming the first Jamaican male to reach the final at the World Championship since its inception 42 years ago.

The 25-year-old, who set the national record on Friday in the semi-final with 1:43.72, demonstrated that he belonged among the best in the world with another outstanding run.

Kenya’s 21-year-old Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the gold in 1:41.86, a championship record to add to his Olympic title.

Wanyonyi held off a fast-finishing Djamel Sedjati of Algeria, who took silver in 1:41.90, and Canada’s defending champion Marco Arop secured the bronze in 1:41.95.

It is the first time that eight men have ever dipped under 1:43 in a single race, and Anderson was pleased with his run.

“You just have to trust your instincts, just be brave, be courageous and have heart. When I look back, I can say Navasky gave his best out there today. 1:42, that’s huge, and I know there is more in the tank,” said Navasky.

“I know I can beat those guys, I saw it today, and I will definitely beat those guys,” he added, confidently.