Celebrating Caster

Strong-willed. Positive. Unapologetic About Who She Is. We Catch Up With The Heroine Of South African Running.

- Lisa Abdellah

FROM 1 NOVEMBER, female track athletes with elevated levels of testosterone participating in the events Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya typically features in will be required to take medication to reduce their levels of the hormone. Under the new IAAF rules, athletes who refuse will be shut out of competing in a thin band of events at international meetings, ranging from the 400 metres to the mile (1 600m).

As Semenya prepares for the 2020 Olympics, new rules for hyperandrogenic athletes are pushing her out of the sport.

But, Semenya says, tough battles – like the one she is about to face – make her stronger.

RUNNER’S WORLD: How are your preparations going for the 2020 Olympics?

Caster Semenya: So far, so good. I’m feeling optimistic. My approach is always to take it step by step, and I like to focus on short-term goals.

Each month, I try to improve my fitness, biomechanics and breathing. I train twice a day; two hours in the morning and another two hours in the evening, with a rest in between those sessions.

During each session, my coach Samuel Sepeng and I focus on form, pace and power. He pushes me hard, which is one of the reasons I believe he’s one of the best in the business.

I’m a simple person, so I always tend to go for the basics when it comes to nutrition – eggs are on top of my list.

I’ll be 29 when I compete in the 800m at my third Olympics, so they could possibly be my last. But you never know where you’re going to end up – I could still run even faster after that!

What sacrifices have you made to excel in your sport?