Caster Semenya named South African Sportswoman of the Year

South African middle-distance runner and 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya was named Sportswoman of the Year as well as People’s Choice Award winner at the South African Sports Awards in Johannesburg on Sunday evening.
The Moletjie-born athlete had a successful year winning bronze in the women’s 1 500 m at the 2017 World Championships in London in August. She also successfully defended her 800 m title at the same event in a lifetime best of 1:55:16.
During a live airing of the awards ceremony by the public broadcaster Semenya said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the South African people for the support they gave me. They went all out to vote for me and I really appreciate your support. Thank you.”
MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Onicca Moloi told Polokwane Observer that Semenya’s achievement shows the province’s ability of producing world class athletes.
“Caster is our golden girl and she has shown that it does not matter where you come from. This is a girl from a rural area in Moletjie which does not have proper resources and infrastructure but she managed to overcome all the obstacles and look at her now. We are extremely proud of her,” Moloi said.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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