photo by PhotoRun.net
Caster Semenya, 2011 WC, photo by PhotoRun.net
Caster Semenya, the 2009 World Champion at 800 meters was thrust into a media maelstrom, immediately after her victory, that, by all accounts, was not to her making. With her personal information bandied about around the water coolers across the world, Semenya came back in 2011, and was beaten by Mariya Savinova of Russia in the World Championship final in Daegu.
Semenya has run okay so far this year. But be forewarned, gentle readers, several keen observers of the middle distances believe that Caster may have the last laugh in 2012. ” She is running both the 800 meters and 1,500 meters in London. Do not be surprised if she takes them both. She has the speed and talent to shake up both events. ” commented one former Olympic medalist.
Truth is, Caster Semenya will have her hands full. In the 800 meters, Pamela Jelimo, Fantu Magiso, Mariya Savinova, Allysa Montoya, to name just a few. In the 1,500 meters, Jenny Simpson, Hannah England, Morgan Uceny, and yes, Abeba Aregawi and her fantastic 3:56.54, will surely make the battle for the 1,500m an epic race.
One thing is for certain, the women’s 800 meters and 1,500 meters could be amazing battles, truly Olympian races, and isn’t that what we, as sports fans want?
To read more on Caster Semenya, we would like to recommend the Washington Post’s fine piece: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/london-2012-after-controversy-and-setbacks-caster-semenya-wants-running-to-do-the-talking/2012/05/30/gJQA42Yh0U_story.html
