The world may miss Usain Bolt, but does the Jamaican athletics team also feel the same way? “Not really,” said Jamaican coach Okielle Stewart.

Most of the Jamaican athletes, who reached Doha last week, attended a training session at the Qatar Sports Club on Sunday evening.

Bolt’s arrival had not only changed the face of Jamaican athletics but that of the sport worldwide, in the last few years. Of course, there were other Jamaicans before him who did make a name for themselves, but no one dominated the sport like Bolt.

Jamaica’s sporting culture and competitive spirit have produced many track and field stars, and the trend continues. Though they will miss the influential and motivating presence of someone like Bolt, Stewart was optimistic of podium finishes in Doha.

“We’re still hopeful about winning medals,” he said.

While Bolt’s absence will not really affect the Jamaicans, will the weather be a challenge?

“The weather is fine,” said Stewart. “We’ve coped well so far and are prepared for the evening schedule,” he added.

Stewart had charted out a special workout session for his ward Rushell Clayton, women’s 400M hurdles medal hope, on Sunday evening.

Rushell, 26, had won the bronze at the Pan American Games in Peru in July-August this year and had pulled off an upset at the national trials where she stunned the favourite Janieve Rusell. The intense training session at the Qatar Sports Club seemed to indicate the coach and athlete’s strong desire for a podium finish in Doha.

The Jamaicans are at another World Championships, but this time without their talisman Bolt. But judging by what coach Stewart said it looks like they would still be a force to reckon with.