LIMPOPO – Caster Semenya made not only South Africa proud during the Rio Olympics where she won gold in the 800 m, but her home province Limpopo.
Review spoke to her proud coach Jean Verster to ask him about the achievement.
“I was an athlete back in the day, but I have never been so nervous as I was on the night she ran, I just wanted her to perform well, and she did, said Verster.
Verster added that his nerves were calmed by the fact that Caster kept her cool during the race and she stuck to the game plan. “I was so proud of her when she kept her cool, even when silver medallist, Francine Niyonsaba passed her with 300m left, the game plan was that she would only start running harder at the 200 m mark, which she” Verster explained.
Verster further said when Caster crossed the finish line, he felt a deep sense of relief that everything went as planned. “At the end, she won the race with ease, which makes me extremely proud,” said Verster.
Verster also explained that they will not be aiming for a world record at this stage, but it is definitely at the back of their minds.
“The thing about the 800 m is that each race is different, sometimes you will have a fast pace race and other times a slower pace race, for now we are just aiming for Caster to take gold at the different events, and not chase records just yet,” said Verster.
Caster’s has her eyes now set on the Diamond League, currently she is leading the log, but will have to participate in the final next week to secure double points and take yet another gold medal home.
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