Caster Semenya urges SASCOC to include elite athletes in Opex programme

Opex initiated by SASCOC, aims to provide athletes with the potential to qualify and secure medals in various sporting disciplines during major events.

Speaking to SABC Sport, she emphasizes the importance of including all the athletes in the program. She believes that while development is important, equal opportunity should be given to elite athletes, who have already proven their mettle by winning medals.

Even though Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine receive financial support and opportunities to compete in Europe, Semenya says they are guaranteed medal contenders.   

"Back in 2018, I won in the Commonwealth Youth games then they took me in, you know. They put me from one step and put me to another step. It's very important to focus on the development but not forgetting that we still have elite athletes that still need support," she said.

"I was once in that programme [Opex], even still I made it to the Olympics and won medals, I still needed the support. I think we need to find a way to balance this programme not to say because Akani Simbine has made it to the finals, we don't support him. No, we need to find a way to support the elite as the young upcoming ones to put them on the very same level."

Semenya advised aspiring athletes to remain grounded and consistent within the program for long-term success. She expressed her concern that some young athletes may be prone to complacency.

"It's all about being consistent because consistency has been a problem in terms of the upcoming ones. Once you are in you think you've made it and that shouldn't be the case. The case should be, where do I want to see myself in four years' time because there's a cycle. You need to learn how to build yourself, you need to learn the process."