Dlamini-Zuma: Go for gold, Caster

2012-08-09 09:00

Caster Semenya in action. Picture: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Johannesburg - Caster Semenya should go for gold at the Olympic Games, Home Affairs Minister and African Union commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Thursday.

In a statement, Dlamini-Zuma said she was "very proud" of the 800m runner and would like to see her qualify for the final and win gold.

"Selected to carry the flag at the opening ceremonies, the South African sprinter is now fully-backed by... her nation and ready to go for the gold."

Semenya qualified for the 800m semi-final in London on Wednesday when she crossed the line in second place in just over two minutes (2:00.71).

The United States' Alysia Johnson Montano led from start to finish, clocking a time of 2:00.47.

After the event, Semenya said she was satisfied, but said little about her tactics in the fastest race of the six heats.

"The race seems to be okay. It was a little bit faster from the first lap. I just had to maintain the pace to finish in the top three," Semenya said.

- SAPA