As has been rumored for weeks, middle-distance runner Caster Semenya will carry the flag for South Africa in the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday. She called it a “privilege” in a recorded statement, according to The Guardian.
Caster Semenya To Carry South Africa’s Flag In Olympics Opening Ceremony
Caster Semenya was selected to carry the flag for South Africa in Friday’s Olympics Opening Ceremony. She was selected ahead of Oscar Pistorius.
It’s quite a statement by the South African Olympic committee, and a recognition of the difficult road Semenya has been forced down over the last three years. In 2009, she was embroiled in a gender-test controversy that forced her from competition and turned her world upside down.
While a complete report has never been released, many have assumed Semenya is intersex, which (in crude terms) means she exhibits some physical characteristics of both men and women.
Also in strong consideration to carry the flag was the Olympics’ double-amputee sprinter, Oscar Pistorius.
Congratulations to Semenya for the incredible honor. We’re sure she’ll make her country proud!
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