×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Caster hails support and her coach, Seme

CHAMP: Gold medallist Caster Semenya at the ANCYL gala dinner at the Johannesburg Country Club on Friday. Pic: SIMPHIWE NKWALI. 24/10/2009.
CHAMP: Gold medallist Caster Semenya at the ANCYL gala dinner at the Johannesburg Country Club on Friday. Pic: SIMPHIWE NKWALI. 24/10/2009.

WORLD 800-METRES CHAMPION CASTER SEMENYA acknowledged her many supporters after she was named Pretoria University's Sportswoman of the Year.

WORLD 800-METRES CHAMPION CASTER SEMENYA acknowledged her many supporters after she was named Pretoria University's Sportswoman of the Year.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my success since joining the University of Pretoria Athletics Club at the beginning of 2009," Semenya said in a statement.

She added that her gold medal-winning performance in the German capital would not have been possible without the "guidance, support and expertise" of a large group of people, including her coach, Michael Seme.

Semenya also paid tribute to "those political parties and alliances that have been supporting" her since she won the world title "for their unwavering support and friendship."

Seme, who has not received enough praise for his influence on the teenager's performance, said he was "proud to be her coach" and believed she was "destined for greatness".

Semenya won the award ahead of Springbok women's flyhalf Yolanda Meiring and Bridgette Hartley, a bronze medalist in the women's 1000m final at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championship in Dartmouth, Canada in August.

Roland Schoeman, who set the world 50m freestyle short course swimming world record (20,30 seconds) at the South African championship in August, was named TuksSport Sportsman of the Year. - Sapa

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.