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Cape Town - Caster Semenya had a tough week in the build-up to her 800m final on Sunday night.
Controversial British media personality Katie Hopkins had caused a storm on Twitter with a series of posts that suggested that it was not fair for Semenya, who has higher levels of testosterone than most women, to compete.
South Africans responded to Hopkins on Saturday in solid defence of Semenya, and when the 26-year-old won gold in Sunday's 800m final at the World Athletics Championships, she received messages of support from all corners.
It means that Semenya leaves London with two medals after also having won bronze in the women's 1 500m final.
Semenya seems used to dealing with the likes of Hopkins, and she posted a powerful message on Twitter on Saturday that seemed to be her response to what was going on.
"You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it," Semenya's post read.
Twitter responds to Caster Semenya gold:
Champions are born, not made, you truly are one ????@caster800m
— Temba Bavuma (@tbavuma10) August 13, 2017
Just landed in Dubai to hear @caster800m has won GOLD! BRAVO!
— Cameron vd Burgh (@Cameronvdburgh) August 13, 2017
@caster800m ?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/Uls7WBSMEg
— Akani Simbine (@AkaniSimbine) August 13, 2017
Caster! What a race!World Champion & new SA Record.Takes SA to THIRD on the medal table @caster800m @WaydeDreamer @lvjumper7 @RuswahlSamaai pic.twitter.com/TFB7kJCD63
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) August 13, 2017
Congratulations to #CasterSemenya for winning 800m women’s final #IAAFWorldChampionships?????? pic.twitter.com/kRjDAOWr8U
— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) August 14, 2017
#CasterSemenya #London2017 well done Caster for putting ZA on the map once more and for always being positive in the midst of the haters.??????
— Japhta Mulamula (@JaphtaMulamula) August 14, 2017
That's how you shut your haters up, well done Caster Semenya #London2017
— Tshepo Wabatho (@tshepo_hope1) August 14, 2017
Yo @KTHopkins your buddy Lynsey Sharp has 6 other problems besides Caster Semenya. See pic below. She has no hope in a medal, zero! pic.twitter.com/tLas3tFJN2
— DJ Franky (@FrankySA) August 14, 2017
#CasterSemenya ??????
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) August 13, 2017
You are an inspiration to each & every South African ?????? pic.twitter.com/1hUxBCQVYo
