Semenya eases into 800 semis, Pearson delivers for Aussies
Source: AFP |
August 9, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
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SOUTH African star Caster Semenya moved a step closer to adding the Olympic title to her controversial 2009 world title as she eased into the 800m semi-finals yesterday.
The 21-year-old, who is coached by 2000 Sydney Olympics 800m champion Maria Mutola from Mozambique, finished second in her heat behind American Alysia Montano. Her time of 2min 00.71sec was the third fastest of the heats bettered only by Montano (2:00.47) and defending champion Pamela Jelimo of Kenya (2:00.54).
Semenya had to undergo drug tests followed by gender tests following that magnificent victory in Berlin in 2009. The situation spiralled out of control with Semenya complaining of "unwarranted and invasive scrutiny of the most intimate and private details of my being".
She was barred from the track for almost a year before being cleared to run again and her comeback was hampered by a lower back injury and a growing belief that coach Michael Seme had taken her as far as he could. Semenya, who handled the traumatic situation with great dignity, was pleased to have not encountered any problems in her heat.
She will be back in action today with the final on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Sally Pearson gave Australia a much-needed boost with gold in the 100m hurdles. Pearson's victory in an Olympic record 12.35sec added some luster to a largely forgettable Games for the sports-mad Australians. She produced a near-perfect race to edge Beijing gold medallist Dawn Harper of the United States.
"I don't even know how to describe it because it's like a dream right now," said the 25-year-old reigning world champion. "I am feeling relief, that's the first thing. And now I am just in shock. "I really wanted this tonight, I've worked so hard for the last two years."
The 21-year-old, who is coached by 2000 Sydney Olympics 800m champion Maria Mutola from Mozambique, finished second in her heat behind American Alysia Montano. Her time of 2min 00.71sec was the third fastest of the heats bettered only by Montano (2:00.47) and defending champion Pamela Jelimo of Kenya (2:00.54).
Semenya had to undergo drug tests followed by gender tests following that magnificent victory in Berlin in 2009. The situation spiralled out of control with Semenya complaining of "unwarranted and invasive scrutiny of the most intimate and private details of my being".
She was barred from the track for almost a year before being cleared to run again and her comeback was hampered by a lower back injury and a growing belief that coach Michael Seme had taken her as far as he could. Semenya, who handled the traumatic situation with great dignity, was pleased to have not encountered any problems in her heat.
She will be back in action today with the final on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Sally Pearson gave Australia a much-needed boost with gold in the 100m hurdles. Pearson's victory in an Olympic record 12.35sec added some luster to a largely forgettable Games for the sports-mad Australians. She produced a near-perfect race to edge Beijing gold medallist Dawn Harper of the United States.
"I don't even know how to describe it because it's like a dream right now," said the 25-year-old reigning world champion. "I am feeling relief, that's the first thing. And now I am just in shock. "I really wanted this tonight, I've worked so hard for the last two years."
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