ANCYL ‘delirious’ over Semenya medal

South Africa's Caster Semenya poses with her silver medal during the women's 800m victory ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

South Africa's Caster Semenya poses with her silver medal during the women's 800m victory ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Published Aug 12, 2012

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Johannesburg -

The ANC Youth League wasted no time on Saturday evening before pronouncing itself “delirious with happiness” over Caster Semenya's second place finish in the women's 800m final.

“The ANCYL is delirious with happiness over the silver medal won by our heroine, Caster Mokgadi Semenya,” the League said in a statement issued only minutes after the race was finished.

The ANCYL took credit for supporting Semenya in the aftermath of her 2009 World Championship victory and ensuing controversy.

“We are immensely proud of Caster and we know she deserves the medal not only because of her tenacious and unbreakable spirit but because of the trials and triumphs she has faced and emerged victorious over,” the statement read.

Semenya bagged South Africa's sixth medal at the London Olympic Games, when she finished second in the women's 800m final on Saturday night.

Semenya, the 2009 world champion, crossed the line in one minute, 57.23 seconds, a season's best.

The race was won by Mariyah Savinova of Russia in one minute 56,19 seconds. Ekaterine Poistogova of Russia was third, in one minute 57,53 seconds.

South Africans in the stands at the London Olympic Stadium were also delighted after watching Semenya bag the silve medal.

“It's indescribable, an awesome feeling,” said Linford Andrews, who is from Cape Town but has lived in London for the last nine years.

“I have always been a fan of Caster, and to be here a day before the closing ceremony and watch her run live... I would describe myself as the luckiest person in the world.”

“I was surprised she (Semenya) was so far behind all the way,” said Clive Teabes from Mthatha, who said he was staying on in London to watch the national cricket team face England in the third Test at Lord's next week.

“It was an excellent finish but if she had started faster I think she would have done even better.

“She was seventh with 150m to go and she had a lot of ground to gain.” Jannie Steyn, another SA tourist from Paarl, believed Semenya would have received unnecessary publicity if she won gold, though he felt she would be in contention for a gold medal again at the 2016 Game in Rio.

Semenya was cleared to run against women in 2010 after a gender controversy kept her off the track for 11 months.

“It's brilliant for her,” Steyn said.

“After all the debate there was around her, I think it's good she did not win gold.

“I was worried that the debate would have started again, but I think she can win in Rio.

“I believe she has a very good future ahead of her under Maria Mutola, her new coach.” - Sapa

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