South Africa’s Caster Semenya finally gets her chance to showcase her talent to the world at the London Olympics. The 2009 world champions, still a fascination for foreign media groups following the much publicised gender verification tests, will begin with her onslaught in the 800 metres race tomorrow.It’s been a long three years for Semenya, who found herself at the centre of a media storm after her victory at the World Championships in Berlin. Now the girl from Seshego in Polokwane faces the world again on a grander stage, the London Olympics.After undergoing treatment, Semenya has been trying to regain the form that saw her win that World Championship crown in 1:55.45. Although her season best is only just under 2 minutes, she’s not too concerned. Semenya pronounces that she feels great and that she’s enjoying her training.She says she can’t wait for the first round, noting that she is not nervous at all, but rather excited. She is a real medal contender, with the only real concern for the 21-year-old being the weather. According to Semenya, London’s weather is like four seasons in a day, saying she’s not enjoying it. But, she says she will have to adapt to it so she can have a good championship.Team South Africa’s management has protected her from the world’s media in London. It is hoped the honour bestowed on her as Team South Africa’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony and the medals the team won in the first week of the Games will inspire her to more glory.
– By Thabiso Sithole, London
