Pamela Jelimo says she is sticking to the 800m
Thursday June 26, 2008

Kenyan 800m world-leader Pamela Jelimo competed in her former specialty, the 400-metres at National Athletics Championship being held at the Nyayo National Stadium, but made it clear that she had no indications of going back.

Jelimo, whose 1:54.99 world-leading time for this season is a World Junior record, won her quarter mile heat in 52.9.

The newly found two-lap star, said her choice to run the 400m here was not an indication that she will be making any switch or thinking about running both the 400m and 800m, but rather to work on her speed ahead of next weekend’s Kenyan national trials.

“It’s just a matter of looking for speed," she said.

"When I compete in the shorter races, I’m building on my speed and it should not be an indication that I’ve switched to 400m."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Muthuka returned the fastest time of the day after she set a new 400m record of 51.53 when winning her race.

"I never got any challenge during the race. I expected much opposition, but it wasn’t coming along. I have been training so hard in the past, but all the same, I’m happy to have claimed the top spot," said Muthuka.

Selected results (finalists): 1,500m, women: Irene Chelagat (4.16.0), Innes Chenonge (4.19.6), Agnes Katonge (4.20.3), Monica Chepkoech (4.20.3) and Jane Mwikali (4.20.3).

400m, hurdles, men: Julius Bungei (51.1), Kosgei Kiprono (51.3), Sylvester Muteti (51.5), Amon Chepsongoi (51.7), John Kituu (52.2).

400m, hurdles, women: Lydia Chepkirui (1.05.23), Jemima Bosire (1.05.45), Joyce Jelagat (1.00.63), Ruth Kemunto (1.02.87).

5,000m, women (finalists): Pascalla Jepkorir (16.00.2), Gladys Cherono (16.00.4), Edith Masai (16.01.6).