NAIROBI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's latest celebrity and Olympic 800m champion Pamela Jelimo has vowed to continue with her job as junior police officer.

    The 18-year-old Jelimo, who flew back home on Tuesday night, held a 20-minute chat with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and emerged with the President and Prime Minister to acknowledge greetings from the public.

    "The President told me that he was happy with my achievement and also told me that the government would continue to advocate for the promotion of talent in the country in all sports," the excited 18-year-old Jelimo said, obviously taken aback by the sudden overwhelming attention paid to her.

    Her performance raked in close to 100 million shillings from earnings, endorsements and prize money including a 1 million US dollar jackpot from a brilliant season that will forever transform the modest Kiptamok Village in Kaptumo, in Kenya's Rift Valley.

    "The President also told me that he was happy due to the fact that I had made Kenya to be known more to the outside world," she said.

    The teenage sensation said she will maintain her job as a police constable despite her new found millionaire status.

    Jelimo, who trained as a police officer last year, said she needs the job if only to have something to do while not running on the local and international circuits.

    "This job is very important for me. It gives me something to do. Even if I don't need the money, I can use it to help others," she said later when she met Commissioner for Police on Wednesday.

    Prime Minister Raila said Jelimo had proved to the world that nothing is impossible and that not even age can be a barrier to success.

    "I'm pleased with Pamela's victory as I know that it has put Kenya in a very important position. Our country has now become popular, thanks to the victory," said Odinga.

    The premier said the superstar had thrown down the gauntlet for other young athletes to pick up the challenge.

    Jelimo was presented with cash awards totaling 3.55 million shillings by the government and various corporate.

    The 18-year-old was visibly moved by the ceremony, saying Najivunia kuwa Mkenya (I am proud to be Kenyan).

    "I was doing my best to represent my country and I thank God because I have done it well and I share my joy and glory with all Kenyans today," she said.

    Police Commissioner Maj.Gen. Mohammed Hussein Ali commended Jelimo, who is also a police officer and other athletes who serve in the force for their exploits at the Olympics and other track meets saying that their performance and representation bodes well for the reputation of the law enforcement body.

    "Kenya Police made up fifty percent of the track team and it is an area that we hope to improve especially with the upcoming World Cross Country Championships in Jordan and the World Athletics Championships in Berlin", said Ali.

    "We as a force are proud to have a large number of service men and women representing Kenya all over the world and we will continue to give them the necessary support," he added.

    World Athletics Championship silver medalist Vivian Cheruiyot, 3,000m Africa champion Richard Mateelong, 10,000m runner Moses Masai and Commonwealth champion Lucy Kabuu were also present at the function.

    Ali added that arrangements are under way to reward all the force's athletes who represented the country in Beijing. Jelimo became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she won the women's 800 meters race in Beijing.

    Jelimo will fly to Eldoret on Thursday for her home coming party to be held at her village in Nandi South District.