BEIJING (AP) — Pamela Jelimo and world champion Janeth Jepkosgei ran to a 1-2 finish for Kenya in the women’s 800 meters at the Beijing Olympics.

The 18-year-old Jelimo, a heavy favorite despite switching to the 800m only in April, won Monday night in 1 minute, 54.87 seconds — a world junior record.

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Pamela Jelimo celebrates after winning the women’s 800 meter final.

Jepkosgei took silver in 1:56.07 and Hasna Benhassi of Morocco was third in 1:56.73.

Three-time world champion and Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist Maria Mutola of Mozambique finished fifth in 1:57.68 in her fourth and last Olympics.

PREVIOUS RUNS

In the last Worlds — It was All Jepkosgei

Notes: Spotlight on Kenya’s Janeth Jepkosgei – The New World 800m Champion

Pamela Jelimo — From the ISTAF meet in Berlin, Germany June 1, 2008 called
by Dwight Stones and “The voice of Track & Field” Larry Rawson.

References:

1. The New York Times — Kenyan Woman Wins Gold in the 800 Meters — Pamela Jelimo, 18, won a decisive victory in the 800 meters, becoming the first Kenyan woman to win gold.

2. Daily Nation, Kenya — A golden day for Kenya | Jelimo is the first Kenyan woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics. World champion Brimin Kipruto and compatriot Benjamin Kogo cruise to a 1-2 finish in the 3,000 metres steeplechase. Kenya has won all Olympic titles in the 3,000 metres steeplechase save for 1976 and 1980 when it boycotted