Caster Semenya, born on 7 January 1991 in Ga-Masehlong, South Africa, is a South African middle-distance runner and one of the most decorated 800 m runners in history. She has won two Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles in the women's 800 metres.
Semenya first won World Championship gold in 2009 and went on to claim Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games and another World title in 2017, where she also earned 1500 m bronze. Following the doping disqualification of Mariya Savinova, Semenya was additionally awarded gold medals for the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics.
Semenya's career has been marked by controversy surrounding eligibility regulations. After her 2009 World Championship victory, she underwent sex testing and was cleared to compete the following year. In 2019, World Athletics introduced rules requiring athletes with certain differences of sex development to suppress testosterone levels to compete in events from 400 m to 1500 m. Semenya has refused to undergo the required treatment and has pursued legal challenges against the regulations.
As of Sep 12, 2026: 800 m 1:54.25 (#4 all-time), 600 Metres 1:21.77, 2026 season best 35:44 (Mar 29, 2026, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town (RSA)) · Last competition: Cape Town City Marathon - 10km Peace Run, May 24, 2026, 35:54 · Olympic Games: 2 gold · World Championships: 3 gold, 1 bronze · National record (400 m) · 35 years old
Meeting International Mohammed VI d'Athletisme de Rabat
1000 Metres
2018
🥇
Meeting de Paris
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
1500 Metres
2018
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Oslo Bislett Games
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Eugene Prefontaine Classic
800 Metres
2018
🥇
Doha IAAF Diamond League
1500 Metres
2018
🥇
IAAF Continental Cup
800 Metres
2018
🥈
IAAF Continental Cup
4x400 Metres Relay Mixed
2018
🥇
South African Championships
1500 Metres
2018
🥈
IAAF Continental Cup
400 Metres
2018
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2017
🥇
South African Championships
400 Metres
2017
🥇
Monaco Herculis
800 Metres
2017
🥇
Oslo Bislett Games
800 Metres
2017
🥇
Eugene Prefontaine Classic
800 Metres
2017
🥇
Doha IAAF Diamond League
800 Metres
2017
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2017
🥇
IAAF World Championships in Athletics
800 Metres
2017
🥉
IAAF World Championships in Athletics
1500 Metres
2017
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2017
🥇
The XXXI Olympic Games
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Bruxelles Memorial Van Damme
400 Metres
2016
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
4x400 Metres Relay
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
1500 Metres
2016
🥇
Monaco Herculis
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Roma Golden Gala - Pietro Mennea
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Meeting International Mohammed VI d'Athletisme de Rabat
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Doha IAAF Diamond League
800 Metres
2016
🥇
South African Championships
400 Metres
2016
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2016
🥇
South African Championships
1500 Metres
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Bruxelles Memorial Van Damme
400 Metres
2016
🥇
Weltklasse Zürich
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
800 Metres
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
4x400 Metres Relay
2016
🥇
Durban African Championships
1500 Metres
2016
8
Brazzaville All-Africa Games
1500 Metres
2015
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2015
🥇
Brazzaville All-Africa Games
800 Metres
2015
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2014
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2012
🥇
South African Championships
4x400 Metres Relay
2012
🥇
The XXX Olympic Games
800 Metres
2012
🥇
Paris Meeting AREVA
800 Metres
2011
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2011
🥇
South African Championships
1500 Metres
2011
🥇
South African Championships
4x400 Metres Relay
2011
🥇
IAAF World Championships
800 Metres
2011
🥇
IAAF World Championships
800 Metres
2009
🥇
Bambous African Junior Championships
800 Metres
2009
🥇
South African Championships
800 Metres
2009
🥇
Bambous African Junior Championships
1500 Metres
2009
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Caster Semenya's 800 m personal best?
Caster Semenya's 800 m personal best is 1:54.25, set on Jun 30, 2018 in Stade Charléty, Paris (FRA), #4 on the all-time list.
Which events does Caster Semenya compete in?
Caster Semenya competes in the 800 m and 600 Metres.
How did Caster Semenya perform in 2026?
2026 season best: 35:44, set on Mar 29, 2026 in Green Point Stadium, Cape Town (RSA). Last competition: Cape Town City Marathon - 10km Peace Run on May 24, 2026, 35:54.
How many medals has Caster Semenya won?
Caster Semenya has won 2 Olympic Games medals and 4 World Championships medals.
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