SABC News.com - Semenya plans to dedicate medal to Mandela :Friday 10 August 2012

Semenya plans to dedicate medal to Mandela

Friday 10 August 2012 08:05

SABC

South Africa's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, Caster Semenya, says if she wins a medal she will dedicate it to former president Nelson Mandela. Semenya has won her semi-final race to advance to Saturday's women's 800m final.

She clocked 1:57.67s last night to go through. The Polokwane-born athlete is making her Olympic debut after winning the world title at the age of 18 in Berlin in 2009. She will face defending champion Pamela Jelimo of Kenya who has also won her semi-final.

Semenya says she is look forward to the final. "It is very important to get back to the podium, that is the main thing for any athlete – they wish to win a gold, silver or bronze – so do I. For me, it is about enjoying my run it is not really about a medal. I will dedicate this for Madiba.

Meanwhile, the world's number one javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen has failed to get a medal in the women's final. She only managed fourth place.

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