Multiple world medallist on the 800 metres athletics track, Caster Semenya is focussed on a training regime aimed at improving her speed, as she sets her sights on the World Championships later this year.
Speaking to gsport after a light gym session – and ahead of full training on Wednesday afternoon – the South African heroine chatted about her goals for 2013. “For me, the main thing is the World Champs,” the popular track star stated emphatically.
“I need to do well in the World Champs. That is the big one for me now. You have to run about six to seven competitions before the Championships. So, I need a few races to make this work.
“Fitness-wise, I am still a little bit down,” she elaborated, “Not yet fit, but I am sure I will be there soon,” she explains in her now-familiar easy-going and confident tone.
Since she vaulted into South African and world recognition when she beat the world’s best in Berlin in 2009, Semenya has always been aware that all eyes are on her.
When she upstaged widely-held expectations to win silver at the 2011 World Champs in Daegu, South Korea, and at the summer Olympics in London, 2012, it became clear that wherever she goes, and whatever she does, she will be under close scrutiny.
“For me, first of all, discipline counts. I have to just concentrate on my race. I know everywhere I go, everybody is on to me. I have to take it easy, and concentrate on my race. I deal with all these things afterwards.”
Semenya is comfortable being held up as a role model, following her feats on the track and her ability to overcome adversity and challenges. “If you are doing well in whatever you participate in, whether it is running or soccer, I am sure you will be somebody’s role model.
“I feel great, personality wise I am ok,” she continues. “I don’t have any doubts about myself.
“To the young ones, what I can say to them, they need to be disciplined, they need listening skills, concentration, and they need to believe in themselves.”
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