Although the year has just begun, Violet Semenya is already advancing her career. The 2025 Ministerial Award recipient at the gsport Awards has just returned with Team SA from the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, where both South Africa’s senior and junior women posted a solid top-10 finish.
Semenya expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity, noting it is a wonderful way to begin the new year.
“This opportunity means a great deal to me. Being entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the national team at a World Championship is both humbling and affirming,” said Semenya. “It reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and belief in my coaching philosophy.”
“To start the year with such a milestone is truly special and motivates me to continue serving South African athletics with excellence and integrity.“
Team SA Coach for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, Violet Semenya
Formerly a 1500m athlete of considerable acclaim, Semenya is now one of the most sought-after coaches in the country following her instrumental work with Glenrose Xaba leading up to her 2024 Cape Town Marathon win.
The former athlete says this trip serves as a new learning experience for her, and will only add to her knowledge as a coach.
“No matter how experienced one is, there is always room to learn. I am looking forward to gaining insight into different high-performance environments, learning from other international coaches, and understanding how athletes prepare and compete at the highest level. These lessons will not only benefit me but will also be transferred back into developing athletes at home.”
“This appointment is a significant milestone in my coaching career. It validates the work I have been doing over the years and opens doors for further growth and opportunities at an elite level,” she added. “Most importantly, it strengthens my belief in long-term athlete development and purposeful coaching,” she added.
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Semenya graced the gsport Awards stage in August 2025, and says the accolade was not only about personal recognition, but that female athletes may go unnoticed.
“The gsport Ministerial Award was a deeply meaningful honour. It was not just recognition of my work, but also of the athletes, support staff, and communities I work with. It reaffirmed that consistency, passion, and commitment to women’s sport do not go unnoticed, and it encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries in athletics.”
The popular running coach highlighted the impact of gsport, who will be celebrating its 20th birthday, and says their contribution to the industry has been groundbreaking.
“gsport has played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices and achievements of sportswomen in South Africa. For 20 years, they have created visibility, recognition, and platforms that inspire young girls to believe that there is space for them in sport. Their impact goes beyond awards; they have helped shape a culture that values and celebrates women in sport.”
She had this advice for the sportswomen on Mzansi:
“2026 is a year of opportunity and growth.”
“I encourage female athletes to dream boldly, prepare intentionally, and embrace every chance to compete and improve. Your voices, performances, and presence matter, and the future of women’s sport in South Africa is bright.”
Main Photo Caption: Although the year has just begun, Violet Semenya is already advancing her career. The 2025 Ministerial Award recipient at the gsport Awards is currently in the USA as part of the coaching team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, scheduled for Saturday, 10 January 2026. Photo: Athletics South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: Semenya was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award winner at the 2025 gsport Awards in Johannesburg, in August last year. Photo: Paul Mukwevho / gsport
Photo 3 Caption: Semenya lifts Glenrose Xaba into the air in Tallahassee, Florida, where the SA Cross Country champ finished in the top 10 globally. Photo: Athletics South Africa
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