Foreign media can’t divide Semenya family – dad
Even though the foreign media is attacking South African’s golden girl Caster Semenya for participating as a woman in the 2016 Rio Olympics, her father Jacob Semenya says their criticism will not divide the family.
LIMPOPO – Limpopo’s star athlete, Caster Semenya, crushed her previous national record for the 800 m with her time of 01:55:28 minutes during the Olympics and showed with her performance in the race why she is one of the top female athletes in the world.
“Some countries don’t want to see Caster progress, this being the reason for them always questioning her gender. Caster is our daughter and we love her, we are proud of her and her success. Let them talk, they will become tired and shut their mouths. As family, we are planning to give her a welcome back party, but only later.  I can’t confirm the date, but we will definitely have a big party to celebrate her gold medal,” said Semenya.
Proud grandmother of the star athlete, Mmaputi Sekgala, also commented on her granddaughter’s achievements.
“I am overjoyed for her. The entire family is bursting with pride on her achievements. There will be a big welcoming party to celebrate when she returns home,” she said.
Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, said Caster not only proved to be a local hero but a national one as well as she inspired millions of young athletes to take to the track and chase their dreams.
Spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Kola Maila said the provincial government through the department is planning a befitting welcome ceremony soon, to honour her and celebrate her achievement. “Semenya won a gold medal during the women’s 800 m race at the Rio Olympics. She secured the 10th and second gold medal for Team South Africa in a time of 1:55.28 seconds,” he said.
Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, said Caster not only proved to be a local hero but a national one as well as she inspired millions of young athletes to take to the track and chase their dreams.
Local coaches and athletes tell what an inspiration Caster is to them
Local coach and star masters athlete for the 100 m and 200 m himself, Deon Jewaskiewitz, said: “She is a huge inspiration to our athletes. She proves that anyone can make it big if they work hard”.
Local 800 m athlete, Nelson Tramp, said Caster is a big inspiration for him. “She is a huge inspiration. Not only does she come from Limpopo but she started at the bottom and worked her way up to become a world champion.”
Obed Karabo Phasha said he draws inspiration from Caster because she went on to win gold despite what the critics said.
Local coach, George Mehale said: “I don’t think people really understand what she has accomplished under those conditions, it is just amazing.
She really set the bar for local athletes, especially young women, to get involved in sports. Now it is up to us to follow in her tracks and make the country proud. I respect her a lot and I think she is an amazing athlete”.
Read more:
Open letter to that British loser who moaned about Caster
Mentally-tough Caster is up to huge Olympic challenge
