I have the magic touch: Semenya
Two years ago in Berlin, Caster Semenya was kept out of the media’s glare by the governing body of world athletics despite winning the women’s 800M gold as a row over her gender erupted at the World Championships.
After a rocky two seasons, Semenya was back on centrestage on Sunday, winning the silver medal but this time, there was no hide-and-seek as she stepped up to face the questions from reporters around the world.
“I am not scared of the media,” a more relaxed looking Semenya asserted. The loss of her crown seemed to have lifted the burden off her shoulders but she refused to go into the past, or discuss the problems she faced after Berlin.
“I won’t talk about the past. I am still young and I am focused on the future. I prefer to let it remain a question mark,” said Semenya, who was finally cleared to compete last year after a lengthy study of her case by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
She admitted it was a tough time. “But I have taken it as a professional and moved on. My family, friends and coach helped and supported me. Now I feel good. I know where I stand now and am ready to work for my personal best and also for the world record,” said Semenya, who dedicated her silver medal to Nelson Mandela. “I just wanted to win it for him.”
The 20-year-old said her silver this time was a more satisfying experience. “In 2009, I was just a kid and not thinking when I was running,” said Semenya and brushed aside another query about her sudden return to form after looking sluggish in her last few races.
“It is a secret. I have this magic touch, an ability to change things when I get into it. You will never know what it is,” she said.
“I have a great plan for the Olympic Games and when I go back I will train hard with the gold in my mind,” she signed off.
