David Macharia
7 September 2008
Nairobi — Nyahururu based coaches on Sunday praised Olympic women 800 metres champion Pamela Jelimo for winning the one million dollar IAAF Golden League Jackpot.
The coaches Francis Kamau of Esmi athletics club, Francis Kamau of Mfae club, Ibrahim Kimuthia of Kimbia club, Peter Mathu and Robert Kioni and NYandarua North Athletics Kenya official Lawrence Miano said Jelimo's win was a big boost to athletics in the coiuntry.
Kamau of Esmi said in addition to becoming and investor and employer just like those before her - Daniel Komen and Moses Kiptanui, the money would boost country's economy.
"When one million dollars is brought into the country means a lot to the economy", he said.
World title
Kinuthia said the Olympic title and the Jackpot money would propel Jelimo to seek the World title in next years World Championships.
Mathu who was with Jelimo in Beijing last month for the Olympic games and Kioni whose one athlete Samuel Wanjiru won the country's first Olympic marathon gold said Jelimo's win was an indicator that Kenya women can do as well as their male counterpart.
The coaches said following the Kenyan team good performance in Beijing, athletes under their stable were were now feeling motivated to train hard.
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