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Huge Welcome Home for 'First Lady' Semenya

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2009 7:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – World champion sprinter Caster Semenya received a heroine's welcome today in Johannesburg, where thousands of South Africans waved signs reading "Our first lady of sport" and "100% female woman." The 18-year-old runner, caught up in suspicions about her gender, had a huge smile as spectators sang and danced around her and her teammates. Her arrival has sparked a media frenzy: the party was broadcast live on TV, and one newspaper ran a wraparound souvenir poster.

Semenya and her fellow medalists are headed to Pretoria, where they will take part in a parade and meet President Jacob Zuma. One physician in the crowd in Johannesburg said, "I think it was unfair. On the date of her final, that is when they decided to test her. There were midwives and parents that raised her. They are undermining South Africa as a country."

Fans of Caster Semenya celebrate after she arrived along with the South African athletics team at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.
Fans of Caster Semenya celebrate after she arrived along with the South African athletics team at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
South African athlete Caster Semenya gestures after her arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Aug 25, 2009.
South African athlete Caster Semenya gestures after her arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Aug 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Caster Semenya dances after her arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009.
Caster Semenya dances after her arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Hundreds of South Africans dance while they wait for Caster Semenya, along with the South African athletics team to arrive at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.
Hundreds of South Africans dance while they wait for Caster Semenya, along with the South African athletics team to arrive at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
Semenya, who is undergoing gender testing after questions arose about her muscular build and deep voice, returned home today to celebrations after her 800-meter win at the world championships.
Semenya, who is undergoing gender testing after questions arose about her muscular build and deep voice, returned home today to celebrations after her 800-meter win at the world championships.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
zentenai
Aug 29, 2009 4:40 AM CDT
Not sure about humans, but I can tell a dog's gender by glancing between the legs.
Reader68389796
Aug 25, 2009 10:58 AM CDT
Semenya, we at www.blackwomeninsports.com are really proud of you. We have written an article in support of all what you are going through, so you got friends in the USA check it out when you have the time. Hold your head up high, you are not the only one, some of us go through this every day. This is price you pay for excellence and greatness!! Check out the site!!
thudson
Aug 25, 2009 2:11 AM CDT
i mean, leave the woman alone. i can only imagine how hard she's trained to be at the top of her sport.

 
gender • South Africa • athlete • athletics • runner • Johannesburg • Caster Semenya

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