Jelimo returns with 1:59.59 in Heusden-Zolder – KBC Night of Athletics

Heusden-Zolder, Belgium – Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo broke away from the field to win the 800m by a large margin at the KBC Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder on Saturday (18) night.

The Kenyan definitely showed improving form today and is confident about her gearing up towards the World Championships in Berlin in August. Hanane Ouhaddou from Morocco won the 3000m steeplechase in a close finish in 9:24.29 and Jonas Cheruiyot from Kenya took the 5000m in 13:07.47.

The KBC Night of Athletics is one of a select group of Area meetings at which points can be acquired by athletes to qualify for the IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final, to be held on 12-13 September in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Jelimo passes return test
Tonight, the Kenyan Olympic champion passed her first big test with flying colours. With 550m to go Jelimo moved from fourth place into the lead and gradually increased the pace. She crossed the line in 1:59.59, leaving the pack well behind. Jelimo was happy and relieved after her race.

“My preparation started late this year. I was tired after the long 2008 season. Having competed in Rabat (2:02.46) and Eugene (2:05.57) in the early season it was clear that I needed to work on my endurance more. But there was never any doubt in my mind that I would come back at the highest level”, said Jelimo. “Today I wanted to test my finishing speed. That is why I stayed off the pace in the early stages of the race. At the Kenyan trials next week tactics can be equally important. To win a medal at the World Championships is Berlin is definitely my goal now.”