Athletics
Caster aims to peak at Worlds
2011-03-02 21:15
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Caster Semenya (Gallo Images)
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Johannesburg - South Africa World women’s 800m champion Caster Semenya is plotting a gradual build up to her title defence in Daegu, South Korea.
Unfazed by her modest performances at two recent Yellow Pages meetings in South Africa, Semenya reckons she will be in prime shape by the time of the global event in August.
She won the 800m in 2:04.19 in Potchefstroom on 19 February. She followed this up with a fourth-place 1 500m effort of 4:24.68.
Semenya set a national record of 1:55.45 when she won the 800m at the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany. Her 1 500m career best of 4:08.01 came when she won the 2009 Africa Junior Championships in Bambous, Mauritius.
“Starting the season with a 2:04 is not bad at all. Remember I had a back injury that cut short my comeback last year. The race in Potchefstroom gave me an idea of where I am in my training,” Semenya said.
“All my effort is geared towards peaking at the World Championships where I plan on defending my title. So, in my next 800m race I hope to run two minutes flat,” she added.
Semenya concedes that her gradual return to peak form depends on progress made recovering from her back injury. She has opted not to rush back into a full training regime.
“I am still receiving treatment for my back injury. These include regular sessions with my physiotherapist and massage therapist. All told these specialists suggest that I should be fine in two months' time,” Semenya concluded.