Jelimo gives Kenya's women first ever Olympic athletics gold

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Teenage sensation Pamela Jelimo became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic track and field gold here on Monday when she claimed the 800 metres in a world junior record of 1minute 54.87seconds.

The 18-year-old beat home compatriot and world outdoor champion Janeth Jepkosgei (1:56.07) while 2004 Olympic silver medallist Hasna Benhassi of Morocco was third (1:56.73).

Mozambique's Maria Mutola finished fifth in her fifth Olympic final and the 33-year-old's sixth and final Olympics.

Defeat for Jepkosgei was a bittersweet moment as it was the 25-year-old who advised the winner to move up from 400m to 800m at the end of last year.

Jepkosgei - considered like an older sister by Jelimo - set a searing first lap pace which saw the two...