Caster Semenya highlights South Africa's medal potential at World Athletics Championships
Caster Semenya, now focusing on coaching, has talked up SA's medal chances in Tokyo later this year. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Caster Semenya is confident in SA's medal prospects at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo in September, but called for more backing for South African athletes.
TeamSA, especially the sprinters, are continuing to light up international meets. Sprinter Akani Simbine is unbeaten in the 100m so far this year, while youngster Bayanda Walaza is staking his claim as the heir apparent. Zakithi Nene boasts the fastest time over the men's 400m so far in 2025.
'I think if you can continue being consistent and working hard we'll do great,' Semenya told Independent Media on Sunday at the Comrades.
'Simbine is doing quite well; he has been consistent and unbeaten this year, so I'm happy with where he is. And obviously, the young boy Walaza is coming okay. I wish them the best of luck in terms of being consistent throughout the season and wish them the best of luck in the championship.
'Then in the road running, we have the Glenrose Xabas who are doing well. Adriaan Wildschutt is doing great, so if we continue being great like that I don't see a problem.'
The former multiple Olympic and world champion over 800m is also confident of current star Prudence Sekgodiso chances over the distance at the showpiece event.
South African middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso showed that she has taken another significant step forward by claiming gold in the indoor champs earlier this year in a SA record of 1:58.40. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Sekgodiso, the world indoor 800m champion and Paris 2024 Olympian, is coached by former South African middle-distance runner Samuel Sepeng.
'They are building up to the world championships. With her form I think anything can happen,' Semenya said. 'The best that she could do is to make sure that she's patient enough and make sure that she eyes being in the final, because once you are in the final anything is possible.
'As for the rest of the track and field family, they're in a good state. We were able to win medals in the world relays.'
Semenya insists that they won't succeed without backing.
'It also comes down to the leadership, the management. They need to learn how to invest in these athletes, making sure that athletes are well taken care of,' she said.
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