体坛英语新闻：Olympic 800m race champion Jelimo promises comeback

She later went on a 14-race spree from Nairobi, to Monaco, to Rome winning everything on offer as she cruised to clinch the now defunct IAAF Golden League in Brussels with 1 million US dollars to savour.

On return home, she was given heroic welcome and a street in Kapsabet town was named after her. But then, she unwind during the recess, injuries crept in and she was a no-starter as the 2009 season started.

This was the start of a long frustrating spell for Jelimo on the sidelines. She became a regular in the Kenya Police treatment court.

“Nobody wanted to listen to my side of story. I had a left knee injury, a sour ankle on my right leg and a hamstring to worry about. I put in so much effort and time in my training as I struggled to regain my fitness,” said Jelimo.

“I fought alone. In my quest for the jackpot, I ended up wearing down my body. I had run basically each and every race in 2008. I ran out of steam and the body was constantly reminding me to cut down. I was finished.”

Last year, Jelimo made several false starts as she battled to make a comeback and win anything to get her career a much needed leap.

But the first aspect to show Jelimo that she was not ready was evident. She was trounced by Janeth Jepkosgei, the world and Olympic silver medallist, at Nyayo National Stadium during the trials for the World Championship.