Sport

Caster Semenya back on track at last

Brad Morgan

15 July 2010

It took almost a year, but Caster Semenya has finally been cleared to compete by the International Association of Athletics Federations. The return of the 800 metres world champion has her firmly in the spotlight once more.

The lengthy layoff has left Semenya unready for the World Junior Championships starting in Moncton, Canada on 19 July but, reports the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, she took the time out to wish the South African team well.

She wrote on the team's Facebook page: "I would like to wish you luck on your trip to Canada for the World Junior Championships. As an athlete I would like to advise you when it comes to competitions. You need to be disciplined, concentrate! Stay focused at all times, I know it is difficult but you must try so you can be a winner; I know you will do us proud. LOVE YOU ALL. Caster Semenya."

Return to competition

Semenya will make her return to competition at the low-key Lappeenranta Games in Finland on Thursday. Of course, the inclusion of Semenya means the event will no longer be that low-key.

The field she faces does not sport her pedigree. In fact, the South African star's best time 800 metres time is almost eight seconds faster than the time recorded by Olga Yekimenko as the fastest runner in the field this year. However, Semenya is running for the first time since she won World Championship gold in a stunning one minute 55.45 seconds.

Semenya's sensational World Championship success was achieved at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and, depending on her form, she could return there in August. The director of the ISTAF meet Gerhard Janetzky has inquired about Semenya taking part, but says her inclusion will depend on her form.

The ultimate goal for this year is to get Semenya ready for the Commonwealth Games taking place in India in October.

Televised race

World-class athletes are treasured by South African sports fans, and after a difficult past year for Semenya it means a lot to South Africans to have the World Championship golden girl back in action, so satellite channel SuperSport will provide live coverage of her race in Finland on Thursday evening from 19:00.

Despite all the hype surrounding her return, her coach, Michael Seme, has warned fans not to expect a fast time. He says Semenya has some way to go before she is in optimum shape.

However, he told journalists in Lappeenranta on Wednesday: "During the Commonwealth Games we will make sure everything is back and we will grab that gold medal."

After Thursday's race, Semenya will remain in Finland to compete in the Lapinlahti Games, which take place on Sunday.



	Caster Semenya on her way to winning the women's 800 metres at the 2009 IAAF Athletics World Championships in Berlin (Image: 12th IAAF Wold Championships)

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