#IOLYMPICS: Mbalula, DA congratulate Semenya
Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula and the DA joined others on Sunday congratulating Caster Semenya on her victory.
|||Cape Town – Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula and the DA joined others on Sunday congratulating Caster Semenya on her victory in the women’s 800m final at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Mbalula had watched Semenya’s “historical moment” with the Springbok rugby team after their win against Argentina on Saturday evening, he said.
Semenya won an Olympic gold medal in the 800m final and set a new national record in a time of 1:55:28.
“On my visit at the Athletes’ Village in Rio, I met Caster Semenya together with Team South Africa. I sent messages of support on behalf of South Africans. Caster was motivated and in high spirits and assured me that she will make South Africa proud. She did not disappoint but exceeded our expectations.
“Caster once again hoisted our national flag high with pride and the world watched and observed as our national anthem was sung. She continues to be be exceptional, silencing critics with nothing but success and excellence. On the track, she is invincible. It is for all these reasons and more that we are proud to have her as one of South Africa greatest ambassadors in sport,” Mbalula said.
He thanked all South Africans who continued to support Semenya and Team South Africa in Rio. He further urged South Africans to go to OR Tambo International Airport in their numbers to welcome the athletes home.
In another statement, DA spokesman Solly Malatsi also congratulated Semenya on her gold medal in the 800m final.
“Caster, through her courage and determination, has given us all a reason to be proudly South African this morning [Friday]. Indeed, she was a winner long before the race even started,” he said.
Semenya’s performance en route to winning the gold medal would be cherished as one of South Africa’s greatest moments in the history of athletics.
“We hope that her achievements will inspire millions of youngsters throughout the country that it is possible to attain the biggest accomplishment in sports through the pursuit of excellence,” Malatsi said.
– ANA