Caster Semenya wins bronze in 1500m at World Athletics Championships

Caster Semenya left her run too late, but picked up a bronze medal in the world championship 1500m this morning.

South Africa's Caster Semenya (left) falls as she crosses the line in the bronze medal position in the women’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships in London. Photo: AFP

Controversial South African athlete Caster Semenya left her run too late, but picked up a bronze medal in the world championship 1500m this morning.

Fears that Semenya, the South African 800m champion, would dominate the longer distance proved not to be the case. Instead the reigning 1500m Kenyan Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon was able to sprint unchallenged down the final straight — after earlier trying to force the pace and blow the field apart — and won in 4 minutes 02.59 seconds.

But Semenya, who was well back in fifth place 100m from the finish line, was able to pick off several runners in a powerful finishing burst and in her last stride overcome the home crowd favourite, British star Laura Muir, for bronze. American Jenny Simpson won the silver medal.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, centre, celebrates as she wins the gold medal in the final of the Woman's 1500m during the World Athletics Championships in London. Photo: AFP

The early slow pace looked to be falling into the hands of Semenya’s finishing strength, and it wasn’t until the bell lap that the Dutch indoor world champion Sifan Hassan exploded to the front with Kipyegon that the pack began to string apart.

Kipyegon said: “I knew it would be fast, it is such a quality field. The best was going to win here. It was always going to be quick and competitive.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating this with my family.”

But Semenya’s speed looks ominous for the 800m final.

The 26-year-old from Limpopo could be competing in her last major championships, as the world body IAAF is due to present findings to the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month recommending a testosterone limit for female events. Under the plan, Semenya, who has three times testosterone levels because of her hyperandrogenism condition, may have to take drugs to reduce her levels if she wants to compete in the future.

Semenya has no womb or ovaries, but considers herself female.

She told a South African TV show this month: “I don’t understand when you say I have an advantage because I am a woman.

“When I pee, I pee like a woman. I don’t understand when you say I’m a man or I have a deep voice. I know I am a female so there’s no question for me.”

Kenya's Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon, left, celebrates as South Africa's Caster Semenya watches on. Photo: AP

After the race Semenya said she battled to find a comfortable space.

“Obviously a lot can not go your way in a final, so to come out with a bronze is amazing but I was hoping for a better time,” she said.

“1500m is a tactical race, I tried to find my own space but fortunately I managed to get away with the bronze so I am happy.”