Cape Town - As Caster Semenya enters the second day of her appearance at the Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in Lausanne on Tuesday, she does so in the knowledge that she has the support of her Team South Africa team-mates.
The response from South Africans coming out and backing Semenya on social media has been overwhelming over the past few days, with even SA Rugby and Cricket South Africa making a point of putting their weight behind the 800m Olympic champion.
Semenya is challenging proposed rules from the IAAF that could force her to lower her testosterone levels.
Swimmer Chad le Clos, the 2012 Olympic champion in the 200m butterfly, led the way with a Twitter video.
"I support Caster through this difficult time," he said.
"I've known her since 2008 when we both carried the flag in Pune for the Youth Commonwealth Games. She is a great ambassador for the country and I say #HandsOffCaster."
Boxer Kevin Lerena, meanwhile, said he was "100% behind" Semenya.
"You inspire me beyond measure," he added.
On Monday, Semenya and her legal team expressed disappointment at a press release issued by the IAAF which the world athletics governing body disclosed the names of expert witnesses it plans to call before the CAS.
Team SA is behind our golden girl, @caster800m @chadleclos #HandsOffCaster pic.twitter.com/HJ8Jm2T7O6
— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA18) February 17, 2019
I’m 100% behind our golden girl @caster800m ?? Keep inspiring champ! You an amazing ambassador for South African Sport ???? #HandsOffCaster @TeamSA18 @EWNsport @SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/NyWn2wXUfZ
— Kevin Lerena (@Kevin_Ko_Lerena) February 18, 2019
OUR HERO ?????? @caster800m pic.twitter.com/ZtonMKpXVW
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) February 18, 2019
?? Awesome to see @OfficialCSA is getting behind @caster800m As a cricket cummunity, lets send @caster800m some love ??#HandsOffCaster #NaturallySuperior https://t.co/4aPMUu76xe
— Mignon du Preez (@MdpMinx22) February 19, 2019
An injury 2 one is an injury 2 al.
— Tsholo (@Tshololejaka) February 18, 2019
You touch Caster, u provoke fighters,??
And the Champions shall respond ??#iaaf , listen 2 WBO Bantamweight World Champion, Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete #HandsOffCaster @SABCNewsOnline @SABCSportsLive @eNCA @Kevin_Ko_Lerena pic.twitter.com/u9PR9doL1x
Never dim your light just to make others feel better about themselves. Standing proudly behind @caster800m during this difficult time. #HandsOffCaster #NaturallySuperior ???????? pic.twitter.com/mq19u23KkR
— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) February 19, 2019
You are an inspiration to many. You have overcome many obstacles & challenges.This is just another one to fight, but this time u not fighting alone. Your fellow South Africans are behind you during this difficult time of ur career. ???? #HandsOffCaster pic.twitter.com/25NuzQUt2R
— Janine Van Wyk (@Janinevanwyk5) February 19, 2019