Caster Semenya shifts focus to the road but keeps 800m flame burning

Now leading the Masai Athletics Club in Tshwane, Semenya is embracing a broader development vision, with many of her athletes thriving on the road.

The group boasts some of the country’s top distance talent, including national marathon record and half-marathon holder Glenrose Xaba, alongside rising names such as Karabo Mailula and Karabo More.

“Talking about the road, yes, we focus on the road,” Semenya explained to SABC Sport. 

“We are a development programme that builds versatile athletes.”

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While her current setup leans heavily towards road racing, the two-time Olympic champion insists there is no turning her back on the 800m, which made her popular in world athletics.

Instead, she sees it as a matter of timing and talent identification.

“The 800m is not dead in South Africa — it will never die,” she said. “It’s about talent. We scout, we nurture, and we develop the athletes. Right now, we are still searching for that next standout athlete, and that takes patience. We don’t have to rush these things they come naturally.”

Semenya, now 35, believes the future of the two-lap event is already in capable hands. 

She singled out national champion and Olympian Prudence Sekgodiso as a shining example of the event’s continued strength.

“Prudence is already there and representing us very well. She won the world indoor 800m title, and that shows that she is up there in the world.  She’s incredibly talented and keeps working hard,” said Semenya. “That shows the 800m is alive — not just in South Africa, but across Southern Africa.”

Although her own journey has evolved from track dominance to nurturing distance runners, Semenya remains confident that the next 800m star will emerge in time.

“We will always have a presence on the road, but you never know when that next talent will come through,” she added. “We’re still searching, and that process can never be rushed."