Anthony Foster-Jamaica's Latoya McDermott (left) stands on the podium after winning silver in the 400m at the World Youth Championships. Also present are winner Yuliya Baraley of Ukraine (centre) and Slovakia's Alexandra Stukova.

Latoya McDermott and Misha-Gaye Dacosta increased Jamaica's medal tally at the World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic yesterday after winning a pair of silver medals.

McDermott was second in the 400m in 54.12 seconds and Dacosta leapt 1.84m in the high jump.

Yuliya Baraley of Ukraine won the 400m in 53.57 seconds, while Russia's Natalya Mamlina won the high jump with a world-leading leap of 1.89m

Jamaica's medal haul now stands at one gold and three silver as Dexter Lee and Nickel Ashmeade were one-two in the 100m the previous day.

McDermott, who early in the opening round and semi-finals, signalled her intention for a medal, was pleased, though a little surprised.

"It's a very good feeling," a delighted McDermott said.

"Going into the final, I had the eighth fastest time in the world, and I never expected to win a medal. My aim was always to win a medal, but I knew it would have been hard."

In the high jump, DaCosta, with some impressive jumping, gave Jamaica its first medal in this event at a junior global meet.

"After failing to clear 1.81m on the first attempt, I was like, 'Ohhh my God, I am going to lose', because there were other people jumping higher than me and I did not feel so well at that point," she said.

"I thought I was just going to be in the top five ... so I am kind of surprised and excited that I got a medal to go home with and now I will get all the things I wanted when I go home."

Meanwhile, Ramone McKenzie, favourite for the 200m title, and Ashmeade will contest the semi-finals of the boys' 200m event. McKenzie advanced with 21.99 seconds, while Ashmeade will enter with 21.80.

Jura Levy is also in the girls' 200m event, this after qualifying from round one in a season best 24.88.

Natoya Goule (2:10.25) and Dwayne Extol (53.45) qualified for the semi-finals of the girls' 800m and boys' 400m hurdles as quickest losers.