Kenyan runners left the country on Tuesday night to take part in the Olympic Games scheduled to open in the Chinese Capital of Beijing on Friday.

Head coach Julius Kirwa confirmed on Wednesday that world 800 meters junior record holder Pamela Jelimoand and 1,500m runner Nicholas Kemboi flew out for China.

The 18-year-old Jelimo left for Amsterdam, Netherlands where she is supposed to meet her Dutch manager Mark Carpello before heading to Beijing to start her hunt for the gold in the two lap race.

The 800m women race will take place on August 15, the first day of athletics action. Kemboi who clinched a surprise ticket after coming third at the national trials in Nairobi will take part in the 1,500m heats eight hours later.

"I am very happy to be finally boarding the plane and it is a dream to come true. I expect to perform well and I am ready for the challenge," Kemboi said before his departure for Beijing.

Kirwa said they were forced to change the athletes' departure program to accommodate diverse requests from the runners.

"Some wanted us to delay or bring forward their departure dates. This was all considered focusing on when their respective events are expected. They will be met by our initial contingent that went with coach Peter Muthui," said Kirwa.

Jelimo, picked up running the two lap race just three months ago, ran a stunning 1:54.99 at the Berlin Golden League track meant to set a new World junior record.

This was the fastest time in this event in more than a decade and the fifth fastest time overall. This performance immediately caught the world's attention and she has been a centre of focus ever since.

"I am well prepared and have done all that I could in training. Now, my wish is to do the best to deliver the promise I made to Kenyans, that is to win a top medal," Jelimo told journalists minutes before her departure.

"I have left early to acclimatize in Beijing before the competition. I am not worried about the heat and pollution there which will affect me. After all, we shall all compete under the same conditions," Jelimo, also the African champion and big bet for gold, added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)