Caster Semenya is a winner. The 29-year-old South African is the two-time women’s 800m Olympic champion, a three-time 800m world champion and a double Commonwealth Games middle distance gold medallist. To wrap those figures in further context, when Semenya won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019, it was her 30th consecutive victory over […]
Caster Semenya is a winner. The 29-year-old South African is the two-time women’s 800m Olympic champion, a three-time 800m world champion and a double Commonwealth Games middle distance gold medallist. To wrap those figures in further context, when Semenya won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019, it was her 30th consecutive victory over the distance.
Put simply, when fit, in-form and free to run without distraction, Semenya is almost unbeatable over the 800m. But these are not circumstances often afforded to Semenya, who lives with a condition in which her body produces a much higher level of testosterone than most other women.
In 2009, on the eve of the women’s 800m World Championship final, it was revealed that World Athletics (then the IAAF) had asked her to undergo gender verification testing. Semenya was permitted to compete in the final and won gold but was subsequently stopped from competing for nearly a year.
In 2011 the IAAF established official rules restricting female athletes with elevated levels of testosterone, arguing it presents an unfair advantage. From 2011 to 2019 Semenya was locked in a cycle of appeals and court cases until the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of IAAF regulations stating that female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) are required to take testosterone-reducing medication to compete in track events from 400m to the mile.
Caster Semenya has appealed against this judgement to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. But in March 2020 the soft-spoken athlete revealed on social media that she now aims to compete in the 200m.
“My dream has always been, and will continue to be, to compete at the highest level of sport and so in order to pursue my goals and dreams I have decided to change events and compete in the 200m,” said Caster Semenya, whose personal best in the 200m at the time was 23.49 seconds.
Do not bet against Caster Semenya lowering that to the Olympic qualification mark of 22.80 seconds in time for Tokyo 2020. This, after all, is an athlete who won the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the space of three hours one extraordinary afternoon at the 2016 South African National Championships.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Darren Whackhead Simpson has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated stand-up comedians, leaving audiences in stitches with his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and relatable humor. For over two decades, Darren has consistently filled venues across the country with his live performances, captivating audiences from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Known for his ability to connect […]
Vibrant, vivacious, and unmistakably captivating, Cathy Del Mei is a powerhouse saxophonist and multi-instrumental entertainer who transforms every performance into an unforgettable experience. Whether she’s serenading guests in a luxury hotel lounge or energizing a full-house theatre crowd, Cathy brings a magnetic stage presence and soulful musicality that captivates from the very first note. With […]
DJ Suga has been with Good Hope FM since 1996, starting as a weekend DJ and working her way to becoming the first female DJ to have a primetime, weekday slot on commercial music format radio in the city. Her current show is broadcasted every Monday to Friday from 09-12am. Born in 1976, Suga can […]
At the age of 21, Devi Sankaree Govender started her career in journalism. She landed a freelance job at the SABC, whilst completing a BA degree at the University of Natal in Durban. Devi quickly moved from presenting music shows and reading the news to becoming a talk show host for the national public broadcaster, […]
The Cellosphere the ‘Bubble’ or ‘Sphere’ presents the performer in a magical context, creating an unbeatable experience! This enthralling concept has become a sensation at events worldwide! The Cellosphere performers in South Africa have mesmerized audiences with their unique fusion of classical music, contemporary performance, and visual artistry. This talented group combines musical expertise with cutting-edge […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
