WINNIPEG: Jamaican Janelle Atkinson waves the flag after receiving her silver medal for placing second in the women's 400m freestyle at the XIII Pan American Games last night. ­Reuters

YOUNG JAMAICAN swim sensation Janelle Atkinson went within a fingertip of giving the island its first Pan American Games gold medal in the pool last night in Winnipeg but again had to settle for silver.

Atkinson, who on Tuesday night claimed silver in the 200 metres freestyle, emulated that effort in the 400m free at the 13th Games.

As was the case the previous evening, the 16-year-old was the fastest qualifier for the final but found one better when it counted most. This time her party was spoilt by American Kaitlin Sandeno who completed the eight-lenght event in 4:10.74 to just edge Atkinson (4:10.83). Third went to Canada's Joanne Malar (4:12.64).

In the morning qualifiers, Atkinson swam a comfortable 4:16.89 to hold off Malar (4:17.54) while Sandeno came home in 4:18.97 in her preliminary.

However, the American had plenty in reserve and it showed in the final, much to Atkinson's chagrin.

In the boxing ring, Jamaica's Kerron Speid was outclassed by Canada's Mark Simmons in their heavyweight semi-final bout and had to settle for a bronze medal. Simmons won on points, 7-0, and now meets Cuba's Odlaniel Solis for the gold.

Speid landed more punches early but Simmons connected more clean, powerful blows to lead 2-0 after two rounds. Simmons got stronger in the later rounds for a clear win.

Middleweight Sean Black represents Jamaica's final hope for gold in the ring. He takes on Canada's Scott McIntosh in a semi-final today.

In squash, Jamaica's Marlene West won the women's singles consolation title.

West overcame Mexico's Samantha Theran in five games in the consolation (ninth place) play-off.

West, the Caribbean's number two ranked player, outlasted Theran 4-9, 94, 9-3, 2-9, 9-5.

"I had a tough opponent, she was putting me under a lot of pressure but I had to remain patient and I think that was the final thing that helped to become victorious," West said.