Caster Semenya has advanced to the Rio Olympics 800m women's semi-finals.
South Africans were glued to their screens on Tuesday afternoon as they watched star athlete Caster Semenya launch her bid for Olympic gold. Work came to a standstill across the country as the nation united in a show of support for the runner.
Semenya exuded confidence right from the start. She settled in fourth place for the greater part of the race before cruising past her competitors in the final bend to win in 1:59.31 and book her place in the women’s 800m semi-finals.
Read more: Caster Semenya cruises through to Olympics 800m semi-final with ease
South Africans erupted with pride as the athlete crossed the finish line.
The semi-finals will be broadcast at 2.15am and many expect Semenya to advance.
Watch: Caster4Gold: Semenya rises above hate