Caster Semenya is back out on the Olympic track in the early hours of Friday morning, when she competes in the third semi-final of the women’s 800m at 1.31am (UK time). Despite being relaxed and confident with her opening trial, South Africa’s ninth medal victor of the games did not look at all comfortable for her final throw.
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The final will take place on Sunday morning at 2:15 South African time.
Caster Semenya seems not have been affected by those critical of her participation in the Rio Olympics‚ instead focusing on her fans.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport, in a case brought by Indian sprinter Dutee Chand last July, suspended the rules of athletics” world governing body the IAAF on “hyperandrogenism’, which causes unnaturally high levels of testosterone, meaning athletes on testosterone-suppressing medication, like Semenya, could come off it. The 25-year-old started in her now traditional fashion taking third place at 200m and dropped to fifth at the 400m which was passed in 57.65. At the end of the day this is a championship, it’s not about people it’s all about you.
Asked if she had been treated well, Semenya responded: “I’m not focused on people, I’m focused on my race”. “It’s you up against the world”.
“It was okay. The main thing was obviously just t get through to the final.so it’s one step down and another to go”.
“There are no strategies, I will just go with the flow, see how I feel in the race, and the pace was a bit quicker, I wasn’t expecting that pace”, she added.
“Times don’t matter in championships, what matters is a medal”.
When asked about breaking world records on Wednesday, Semenya said she was more focused on enjoying her championship and running well.
“I’m quite happy with the performance and I’m looking forward to the final”.
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Semenya’s form this year has fuelled speculation that Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 33-year-old world record could be in jeopardy at Saturday’s final.
