Semenya powers to victory in first Varsity Athletics meeting

Caster Semenya has started her preparation for global athletics dominance with a bang for NWU Pukke at the first Varsity Athletics meeting on Friday 18 March at the UJ Stadium.

Semenya was crowned as the Victrix Ludorum for her immense efforts in the 400 meters where she broke the Varsity Athletics record in the 400 meters with a time of 52.45. The previous best was 53.95 seconds held by Justine Palframan of Maties.

What makes this achievement that much more special is that Semenya only recently focused on the 400 meters after being well-known for her immense ability in the 800 meters where she achieved an Olympic Silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Semenya’s form helped Pukke to third place in the first leg, behind the winners, Tuks, who were in no mood to relinquish their lead.

“It feels great to be back in good shape. I really enjoyed being out there tonight. Everything is falling into shape for Rio, so I am really happy,” said Semenya.

Pukke will need to pull out all the stops to haul in Tuks and UJ in the second leg and will count on a number of outstanding athletes to do so on 7 April at the Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Rantso Makopane is one of these athletes who will need to get maximum points again after he achieved first place in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Mokopane won in 3:49.42 ahead of Goitsimodimo Bothlolo (3:51.24)

Pukke’s 800 meter queen, Gena Lofstrand, was also highly impressive and made the race look easy as she blitzed her competition with a time of 2:10.62. As did Julia du Plessis in the woman’s high jump event, who was in a class of her own with a 1.80 meter leap for Pukke.

The hottest property in SA Athletics, 100 meter record holder, Akani Simbine, did what he did best and eased to a win over his Tuks mate, Thando Roto with a 10.18 time in the 100 meters.
Final team standings:
A Section:
1 Tuks:15496
2 UJ: 15375
3 Pukke: 15294
4 Kovsies: 14505
5 Maties: 14098
6 UWC: 14015
7 Madibaz: 13759
8 TUT: 13147