“I will be a world champion again. There is no doubt about that and you better take it seriously. In Daegu, second spot will be a disappointing finish for me. I have never felt strong and fresh like now. I am ready to go and hopefully without any relapses, I will be at my peak form in March,” she said.
But she has a soft spot for South African Caster Semenya, the current world champion.
“It is not her wish to be subjected to such ridicule. But I believe she did it clean and will try hard to retain her title,” said Jelimo.
Retirement never crossed her mind though. At 21, Jelimo said she still has over 15 years of active competition.
“Why would I think of quitting? I will fight back through the ladder and claim the world title. Maybe I will retire at 40 years, who knows. I never even thought of starting a family when I was out injured, but I can get a baby when I want,” she added.
For those who still doubt, her focus, Jelimo still has her 1 million dollars jackpot is safely stuck in safe account.
“Maybe I will start an academy, not just for athletics, but for all sports here in my village. I want to give back to this community which has sacrificed much for me. Maybe that way I will retire a happy athlete. But until then, I want to win and get that Kenyan national anthem recited in my honour,” she said.