Cape Town - Let's cut the controversy. Here are 6 things you actually need to know about extraordinary athlete Caster Mokgadi Semenya.
1. You can call her Cobra
Just like Usain Bolt’s famous lightning bolt victory stance, Semenya has her own celebratory style, and it’s earned her the nickname. After cruising past the finish line in first place, Semenya can be seen with her arms out to the sides as if showing off her biceps, but with the hands turned out - just like a cobra about to strike.
2. Semenya is a classy winner
She wins but never basks in the glory. Videos show her celebrating for a few seconds before turning to her competitors, shaking their hands or hugging them.
Thank you South Africa... I feel proud to be a South African ..Thanks for the Love and Support.. 💞 I'll make you proud. 🏃🏃🏃
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) August 17, 2016
3. Her gym routine is brutal
A month ago, she posted a sped-up video of a typical workout. Set to the beats of Jozi’s Gotta Keep it Going, she can be seen doing anything from back extensions to walking forwards and backwards along a track with a resistance band around her legs.
Nothing EVER comes easy in LIFE. The effort you put in will determine the RESULTS you get 😊 pic.twitter.com/2V9oSZwS6s
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) August 1, 2016
4. She is a clown
When she’s not busy claiming gold medals and world records, she loves clowning around.
5. She has no time for haters
Semenya’s social media profiles are packed with motivational quotes.
😁😁😁😁 You try to give me stress ..I give you heart attack.. 😂😂😂😂 ITS A WARNING.. TRY ME.. pic.twitter.com/i5hQsyboBL
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) August 13, 2016
6. She is supportive of her teammates
AKA.. AKANI.. AND WAYDE... I HAVE AMARULA TO CELEBRATE.. WELL-DONE HOMMIES... LOVE BOYS.. 😍😍😍
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) August 15, 2016
Cape Argus