Kenya's millionaire Jelimo plans ahead

By Darren Ennis

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Unlike most 18-year-old millionaires, Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo intends to invest wisely the Golden League $1 million jackpot she won at the Memorial Van Damme meeting on Friday.

The Kenyan's victory in the 800 meters, combined with Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic's failure to win in Brussels, saw Jelimo pocket the whole jackpot awarded to athletes who win their event in all six of the season's meetings.

"I will invest intelligently and plan carefully what to do with the money," the teenager told reporters.

When asked if she would have some fun with her earnings, she replied: "I'm going to help my family and be diligent."

"I will use this money to help me build a long-term career and secure a future for my family," she added.

Jelimo won the 800 in one minute 55.16 seconds, more than three seconds ahead of compatriot Janeth Jepkosgei with Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica third. Vlasic finished second in her event.

(Reporting by Darren Ennis, editing by Ken Ferris)