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Cape Town - It would seem every South African set their alarm for 02:15 on Sunday morning, as Caster Semenya took to the blocks in the women's 800m final.
The early wake-up call was worth it as Semenya cruised to gold with a time of 1:55:28.
READ: Caster wins gold, SA reach 10 medals
Semenya was favourite to win the women’s middle-distance race and ran a national record in the final.
It was an all-African podium as Burundi's Francine Niyonsaba took silver with a time of 1:56.49, while Kenya's Margaret Wambui in 1:56.89 took bronze.
This is the 25-year-old Semenya's second Olympic medal, after winning silver in the 800m at the 2012 London Games.
The hashtag #Caster4Gold was trending throughout Twitter in South Africa and the world beamed at the significance of the race, applauding her courage throughout the tournament.
At a little after 02:00, South Africans took to Twitter to celebrate our second gold medallist of Rio 2016 - Caster Semenya:
Gold Gold Gold for Caster ???????????????????????????? proudly South African. @caster800m was never a doubt
— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) August 21, 2016
This is your time Caster! @jacok6 @R_Combrinck15 and @MbalulaFikile proudly supporting @caster800m #Gold #teamSArise pic.twitter.com/RDe9umEQUU
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) August 21, 2016
So proud of you @caster800m! Not only for all your achievements, but for the obstacles you've had to overcome. I salute you.
— Sunette Viljoen (@Sunette_Viljoen) August 21, 2016
Congratulations @caster800m on a very well deserved victory. So happy for you. #LetsGoRio2016
— Penny Heyns (@pennyheyns) August 21, 2016
Olympic Champion @caster800m!
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) August 21, 2016
Gold !!!! @caster800m too good !
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) August 21, 2016
Easy for Caster Semenya as she wins women's 800m. Beautifully elegant runner. Made it look effortless.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) August 21, 2016
Our @caster800m has done it in style!!! We are so proud of you, Mokgadi!!! #GoldenCaster
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) August 21, 2016
Caster you beaut!!! @caster800m #letthemhate
— Anaso Jobodwana (@_ambitious_jay) August 21, 2016
We are very proud Caster, Very proud.#Caster4Gold https://t.co/cP0YLms5Es
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) August 21, 2016
Cool and calm as you like??????So much class in @Themightycaster z race..
— Amanda toki Dlamini (@Amanda_Dlamini9) August 21, 2016
Composure and an extent amount of Chill.
Congratulations @caster800m
@caster800m The Queen!!! ??????
— Akani Simbine (@AkaniSimbine) August 21, 2016
Ladies and Gentlemen, she does it again.. @caster800m wins #Olympic #Gold !!! Congratulations Caster, you are a true Champ ??
— Janine Van Wyk (@Janinevanwyk5) August 21, 2016
Congratulations @caster800m for winning the 800m race in #Rio2016 You did it! We are proud of you. #PowerOfDreams https://t.co/K21dRUJXb2
— Adv Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 21, 2016
Thank you Caster, South Africa stands proud and we are lost of words !
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) August 21, 2016
You are simply Amazing ???????????? pic.twitter.com/AFbDJOiGfm
