Shericka Williams shows off her silver medal after the medal ceremony.

Shericka Williams yesterday produced a stunning run to capture the silver medal in the women's 400 metres, setting the stage for another thrilling day of performances by the Jamaican team at the Olympics in Beijing, China, this morning.

"I am happy with the silver. You cannot do better than your personal best," said Williams, who posted a personal record of 49.69 in beating pre-race favourite Sanya Richards into third. Britain's Christine Ohuruogu took the gold.

Second silver medallist

Williams is Jamaica's second silver medallist in the event, behind Lorraine Graham Fenton (Sydney 2000). While Jamaicans continue to share in the surprise of Williams' silver success, the country is hoping for everything to go according to form.

The lightning-fast Usain Bolt and Melaine Walker have the leading times going into their respective finals. Walker enters the 400-metre hurdles with a time of 53.48 and has said she intends to run below the 52.34 world record.

Bolt, who cantered to a world-record 9.69 in the 100-metre final Saturday, has run a personal best of 19.67 this year in the 200 metres and indications are that he could threaten Michael Johnson's 19.32 world record.

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Jamaica's Shericka Williams (right) passes United States' Sanya Richards to cop the silver medal in the women's 400-metre final at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China yesterday. - Photos by charles pitt and ap

Shericka Williams (right) is hugged by Sanya Richards after the race.