By Razeen Gutta
Former Olympic champion Caster Semenya has returned to racing more than a year after her last appearance on the track.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 800 metre category is still banned from women’s international events due to rules which restrict DSD (differences of sexual development) athletes from participating.
There is no ban on her partaking in domestic races though; and she has now made ground on local road running tracks.
The 33-year-old picked up a 10th place finish on her return at the Spar Grand Prix 10 kilometre race in Centurion on Saturday, crossing the finish in 37:13.
Her time was just under four minutes slower than her personal best on the track (33:48.55) which she set last year.
“I would say it was a piece of cake because I thought I would end up walking, but I just kept running until I saw the finish line,” Semenya told reporters after the race.
When asked about her future endeavours, she said that road races help grow the sport, possibly leaving the 90 kilometre Comrades Marathon in KwaZulu Natal on her to-do list.
“I will do more of these kinds of races. It was beautiful and I’m grateful for the opportunity. For me, it’s all about growing sport and making sure that people who look up to me see me often in sports.”
“I’ve been questioned a million times since I stopped running, with people asking ‘when are you coming back?’, and I say ‘maybe on the road’.”
Pictured above: Caster Semenya.
Source: @mightycaster
