Caster Semenya claimed the first ever Olympic track gold medal by a South African woman, in Rio on Sunday night – powering her way to the 800m title in a new national record time of 1:55.28.
Based on her dominance of the event this year, Semenya’s gold was perhaps the most anticipated of the Games, with her rivals unable to counteract her impressive kick over the last 200m.
The 25-year-old Potch-based star-powered ahead of Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba, who finished with silver in 1:56.49 and bronze medallist Margaret Wambui of Kenya who crossed the line in 1:56.89.
“The race was a little bit quick so the first 400 we were pushing ourselves which was great,†said a thrilled Semenya afterwards. “It was just about being patient and doing what you do best.â€
That Semenya did to perfection as she held back until the final bend when she unleashed her speed to take to the front and claim SA’s second gold of these Games.
“My coach just told me to be patient and wait for the right moment. We know we’re quicker in the last 200 so we just had to utilise that.
“It was fantastic to run with great athletes like this. The field was very good. I would like to congratulate those who have been in this competition – those that made the semi – those who were out in the first round. Unfortunately, it’s only eight people who make it through to the final so yes, it was just a fantastic race,†she added.
Asked how she was feeling to have the gold medal around her neck Semenya said: “It’s fantastic – I can’t wait to get home.
“I was not really under pressure but obviously, I had to do it for my people. They were expecting more out of me. They know what I can do so they knew I could produce such a performance.
“I think this is the highlight of my life. It’s fantastic. I feel proud to be South African.â€
Semenya’s gold brings Team SA’s medal total in Rio to 10 making this the largest haul post-isolation. The last time a South African team claimed 10 medals, but with more than two gold medals among them, was in Amsterdam in 1920, reports Reuters.