Caster Semenya backs SA’s Olympic Games ambitions

The two-time Olympic 800m gold medallist is backing the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in its bid to bring the first Olympic Games to African soil.

SASCOC has identified Durban as South Africa’s preferred host city, with the country hoping to compete with other international cities for the opportunity to stage the biggest sporting event in the world.

Having travelled to several Olympic Games around the world, Semenya believes South Africa has the facilities and infrastructure to host the global showpiece.

"If you want to bid for the Olympics you have to look at your infrastructure and facilities and I believe our facilities puts us in a position to bid and to compete. We need to make sure we fit into the criteria before we even think about bidding."

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The 35-year-old former world and Commonwealth Games champion says she is excited by the possibility of seeing the Olympic Games come to South Africa.

Semenya hopes to live long enough to witness history being made in her own country. 

However, she wants SASCOC to turn its ambitious plans into reality and deliver on its promise rather than simply launch another bid campaign.

The retired track star has also left the door open to becoming an ambassador for important projects or companies, but also says those who approach her must understand that she already has commitments.

Semenya runs her own athletics club, Masai, and foundation, and remains passionate about giving back to the community and developing young athletes.