Rio de Janeiro - Caster Semenya became the first black South African women to win an Olympic gold medal contributing to South Africa’s largest medal haul in 64 years on the last night of the track and field programme at the Rio Games.
Thanks to her efforts South Africa equalled its largest medal haul at the Olympics winning 10 medals in total - two gold, six silver, and two bronze - and adding to the silver medal she won in London 2012.
While the world obsessed over a possible world record, Semenya instead had her eye on the prize she had been craving from a young age.
Brushing her shoulders during the introductions the girl from the dusty streets of Limpopo ran the race of her life to add the title of Olympic champion to her mounting list of accolades.
Crossing the line in her gold-medal run she posted a new national record of 1:55.28 setting a national mark in the 800m four times since 2009.
“The race was a little bit quick, the first 400 metres we were pushing ourselves which was great, it was just about being patient and doing what we do best,” Semenya said.
On a mild Brazilian winter’s evening Semenya reverted to the tactic that earned her absolute dominance in the women’s two-lap event.
The rest of the field had no choice but to play follow the leader as the London Olympics silver medallist took charge from the gun.
Francine Niyonsaba, who has been Semenya’s shadow throughout the season had a slight edge as the bell tolled for the final lap as the women went through the first 400 metres in a time off 57.7 seconds.
The gritty Burundian made an early move as she lead into the final bend but Semenya launched her customary kick leaving the rest of the field to fight it out for silver and bronze.
Semenya ran home with a sizeable gap between her and the rest of the runners shaving 0.05s off the previous national record she set last month.
Niyonsaba crossed the line in second place with a time of 1:56.49 with Kenya’s Margaret Wambui clocking a new personal best of 1:56.89.
“The coach just told me to be patient, and wait for the right moment, I am quicker over the last 200m and I just have to utilise it,” Semenya said.
“It is fantastic to run with great athletes like this, the field was very good, and I would like to congratulate everyone in this competition. Those who made it into the semis and unfortunately it is only eight that makes it into the final.”
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