NAIROBI, August 18 – Pamela Jelimo has made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold when she won the women’s 800 metres in a seasonal best time of 1:54.87.
The teenager took the lead at the bell and sped away on the back straight to win and continue her amazing season in which she has set the six fastest times in the world. World Champion Janeth Jepkosgei won silver in 1:56.07.
Minutes earlier, World Champion Brimin Kipruto had claimed gold in the 3,000 metres race.
The 23 year old applied a devastating finishing kick to win in 8:10.34 giving Kenya her first gold medal at the 29th Olympics. Africa champion Richard Mateelong won bronze in 8:11:01 while defending champion Ezekiel Kemboi was sixth in 8:16:38.
At the back of the pack in the final lap, Kipruto shifted through the gears in the final 200 metres taking the lead after the last barrier to become only the second man to hold both the World and Olympic titles after 2000 Olympic champion Reuben Kosgei.
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