NAIROBI, December 27 – Olympic gold medallist Pamela Jelimo will make her first appearance in the United Kingdom at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham in February 2009.
The 19-year-old, who only began running the 800m in April 2008, has had a dazzling debut year and is looking ahead to a new challenge in the UK where she will run in the Mile at the National Indoor Arena, set to be one of the highlights of the indoor season.
Already making her name as one of the most exciting young international talents, Jelimo, who has never raced farther than 800m, is excited about making her debut UK appearance.
“I’ve had a great year, I’m so very happy. I can’t describe how life-changing this year has been for me.
“To achieve so much in such a short time has surprised me. I would never have thought I would be in such a position at this point in my career.
“To have the opportunity to run in the UK is amazing. I’ve never run indoors before so it’s good to set myself a new challenge. I think it will be great preparation for hopefully another successful year.”
Being the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic Gold and the Golden League jackpot, Jelimo has become a superstar in her home village in the Rift Valley. Local newspapers now track her every move and the Government have erected a giant billboard in her honour.
Jelimo, who was also crowned ‘Revelation of the Year’ at the IAAF World Athletics Gala will be running the mile at the Aviva Grand Prix at the NIA, Birmingham on Saturday 21st February.
Lagat at 1500m
Double World champion Bernard Lagat of the US has also confirmed his participation at 1500m in Birmingham.
“I was really happy with most of my season last year however unfortunately I picked up an injury mid July that was the worst possible time before Beijing. That was very disappointing for me but that is behind me now and I’m very focused on defending my titles at the World Championships in Berlin. Birmingham is the ideal opportunity to test myself against a competitive field at the start of the year. The Birmingham crowd love their athletics and I look forward to putting on a good show for them.”
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