Pamela Jelimo

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Pamela Jelimo's achievements stand out in the history of Kenyan athletics. She was the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in track, a feat that redefined expectations for female athletes from her nation. Her 2008 Golden League Jackpot remains a unique accomplishment, as no other athlete has matched her sweep of all seven meetings in a single season. The delayed awarding of her London 2012 silver medal in 2026 added a layer of historical significance to her career, highlighting the integrity of anti-doping efforts while acknowledging her resilience. These milestones collectively place her among the most decorated and influential runners of her generation.

AwardsPamela Jelimo's accolades include an Olympic Gold Medal from Beijing 2008, a Silver Medal from London 2012 (awarded posthumously in 2026), and a Bronze Medal from the 2013 World Championships. She was the first athlete to win the Golden League Jackpot and received the Order of the Burning Spear from the Kenyan government. Her 2007 World Junior Championship title established her as a future star, and she was named Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year in 2008.

Honours & Distinctions

Order of the Burning Spear

Government of Kenya·2009

National honour bestowed for athletic excellence

Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year

Kenya National Sports Council·2008

Recognition for outstanding athletic performance

Rankings & Lists

#43

Most Famous Person from Kenya

iFANN Global Fame Rankings·2026

Records & Feats

First Kenyan Woman to Win Olympic Gold in Track

Historic First·2008

Won the 800m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

First Golden League Jackpot Winner

Career Milestone·2008

Won all seven meetings in a single season to claim the $1 million prize

World Junior Record Holder

Chart Record·2008

Set the 800m world junior record of 1:54.87 at the 2008 Olympics