Sport and Recreation Minister Thulas Nxesi has congratulated athlete Caster Semenya on her bronze medal win at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in London.
Semenya on Monday night collected South Africa’s third medal when she came third and clinched the bronze medal during the 1 500m women’s final at the championships.
“Congratulation to Caster Semenya and what an inspiration to all women athletes out there. This medal is the first to be collected at the time when we celebrate all achievements, sacrifices and successes that women of our country have undertaken.
“Once more, happy Women's Month and I hope more female athletes who are currently at the London Championships will continue where Caster left off,” said Minister Nxesi on Tuesday.
The Minister’s comments come as South Africa commemorates Women’s Month.
Semenya, who brought home a gold medal following her win at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is due to compete again in the 800m heats on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Wendal Nel will be contesting the 400m hurdles heat after booking her place in the semi-finals.
Track athlete and fellow gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine will be taking part in the 200m semi-finals on Wednesday.
Team South Africa has so far garnered three medals with the first two medals obtained by long jumpers Luvo Manyonga, who won a gold medal and Ruswahl Samaai, who won a bronze medal in the men's long jump on Saturday.
“Government congratulates Luvo Manyonga and Ruswahl Samaai for their astonishing performance at the IAAF World Championships. We are proud of all our participants and encourage Team South Africa to fly the country’s flag high and bring more medals home,” Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo said on Monday.
The 16th edition of the IAAF World Championships, which got underway in London, will conclude on 13 August 2017. – SAnews.gov.za
