Share

Semenya back on track after Rio gold

Cape Town - Caster Semenya will start her post-Olympic season when she competes at the IAAF Diamond League in Zurich on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Semenya won gold for South Africa in the women’s 800m final at the Rio Olympic Games.

She cruised to the finish line with a personal best of 1:55:28 and ended off the country’s successful Olympic campaign, as SA finished with a medal tally of 10.

The 26-year-old is set to continue her winning form with her race scheduled to begin at 21:02 (SA time) on Thursday.

There are two scenarios to watch out for in the 800m featuring Semenya:

It will be the first race since the Rio final that Semenya and Great Britain’s Lynsey Sharp will compete and go head-to-head.

Sharp was criticised for her comments regarding the South African. She said it was “difficult” to race against Semenya and expected the IAAF to address the issue of multiple intersex athletes competing.

Secondly, Semenya is two points away from claiming the Diamond Trophy.

Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba, the 800m Olympic silver medallist, is her closest rival.

According to the IAAF website, whichever woman crosses the finish line first will automatically win the trophy. However, if neither of them make the top four, Semenya will take the title.

Other South Africans participating in the Swiss country are Akani Simbine, who will run in the men’s 100m, and Wenda Nel - in the women’s 400m hurdles.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE