Semenya Smashes 18-year-old 400m National Record

Team South Africa were off to the perfect start on day three of the 21st African Athletics Championships in Asaba yesterday with Caster Semenya winning gold in the 400m event.

Semenya stopped the clock in a national record of 49.96. The record, previously held by Heide Seyerling, had stood for 18 years.

Semenya now holds national records in the 400m, 800m, 1000m and 1500m events.

She was followed home by Christine Botslegwe of Botswana in second while Nigeria’s Yinka Ajayi took third.

Thapelo Phora also added to South Africa’s medal tally by taking silver in the men’s 400m race.

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