Caster Semenya

Bio:
Caster Semenya  (born Mokgadi Caster Semenya on January 7, 1991 in Polokwane, South Africa) is a South African middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist. Caster was born in Ga-Masehlong, a village near the South American city Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg.) She grew up in Fairlie, attending Nthema Secondary School. She initially began running as training for soccer, but her talents soon led her to running competitively. In 2008, she participated in the World Junior Championships, taking the gold in the 800m at the Commonwealth Youth Games. In 2009, she won both the 800m and 1500m races at the African Junior Championships. She also took home the gold in the 800m at the World Championships. These victories led to controversy, as the International Association of Athletics Federations required Caster to undergo a gender test to prove that she was female. The test and reported results were leaked to the press, causing many to condemn the IAAF’s efforts as insensitive and potentially racist. She returned to form in 2012, taking the silver in the women’s 800m during the London Olympics. In 2016, Caster set the national record for the 800m and won the gold medal in that event at the Rio Olympics. She also became the first person to win the 400m, 800m and 1500m events at the South African National Championships.

Best Known For:
Caster Semenya is best known as an Olympic gold medal-winning runner.

Personal Life:
In 2012, Caster was awarded the South African Sportswoman of the Year Award. She also received the bronze Oder of Ikhamanga, a South African honor celebrating achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sports. She is married to her long-term partner, Violet Raseboya, in a traditional ceremony in 2015.