Home Affairs Minister and African Union Commission (AU) Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today Wednesday, 8 August 2012 extended her best wishes to Caster Semenya after she qualified for the semi-finals of the 800 m race at the 2012 London Olympics earlier today.
The minister said that she is very proud of Caster Semenya and would like to see her qualify for the finals and go on to win gold for South Africa.
The 21-year-old Caster Semenya is the South African middle-distance runner whose blazing speed made headlines three years ago. Selected to carry the flag at the opening ceremonies, the South African sprinter is now fully-backed by the AU Commission Chairperson and her nation and ready to go for the gold. In her debut Olympic race, Semenya finished just behind the 2:00:47 run by U.S. athlete Alysia Johnson Montano.
The 21-year-old ran an impressive 800-meter event, taking second place in her preliminary heat, which qualified her for the semifinals.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa(Head of Communication)
E-mail: ronnie.mamoepa@dha.gov.za
Cell: 082 990 4853
