Limpopo has reason for celebration after Caster Semenya claimed victory in the final of the 800 m for women at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with a time of 1:55.28 on Sunday morning.
Her winning time is her personal best, a new South African record, and the fifth-fastest time over the distance in Olympic history.
Semenya started off well by winning the qualifying heat in a time of 1:59.31 and then secured her place in the final with a semi-final time of 1:58.15.
Semenya earlier announced her withdrawal from the 400 m to rather focus on the 800 m and her decision paid off.
“I’m glad to have been consistent this season. I think this is the highlight of my life, and I feel proud to be South African,” Semenya is quoted to have said after the race.
Both the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo as well as Premier Stan Mathabatha have congratulated Semenya on her achievement.
“We should announce soon what we will be doing for Mokgadi as a province. What the world should know is that Semenya will be welcomed not only by South Africans, but the people from her village and the people of Limpopo,” Mathabatha reportedly said.
Story: RC Myburgh
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Featured photo: Caster Semenya, gold medallist in the 800 m for women at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (PHOTO: INTERNET)
