Share

Caster not going after world record

Rio de Janeiro - Caster Semenya is safely into the semi-finals of the women's 800m at Rio 2016 after she eased to a win in her heat at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday morning. 

The time was slow - 1:59.41 - but it was a performance that reminded just how dominant Semenya is in this race. 

She is expected to win gold on Saturday night (Sunday morning, SA time) and will be on the track again on Thursday night (Friday morning, SA time) in the semi-finals, and there are many who feel that Semenya will seriously threaten the world record in one of those two races.

But the 25-year-old insists that she is not even thinking about breaking Jarmila Kratochvílová's time of 1:53.28 that was set in 1983.

"I'm not focused on the records, I'm just focused more on enjoying my championship," Semenya said after her race.

"Times don't matter in championships ... what matters is a gold medal, silver or bronze so we don't worry about times at the moment."

On her race, Semenya said she struggled in the 32 degree heat.

"It was not easy. It was pretty hot outside. I was just trying to hang on and try to feel my body first so I can feel comfortable," she said.

"I tried to just get into the top two over the last 200m and maybe try and win so that I can be safe for the semi-finals.

"I'm just trying to run my own race so I can do better ... so far we're good."

Lloyd Burnard is Sport24's correspondent in Rio de Janeiro for the duration of the 2016 Olympics ...

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 849 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 417 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE