Fans urge Caster Semenya not to quit athletics after her cryptic tweet

Semenya will now have to take medication to reduce her testosterone levels if she is to keep gracing the tracks. [Courtesy]

Athletics fans around the world have urged South African Olympic double gold medalist Caster Semenya not to quit.

This is after her cryptic tweet following the loss of her appeal against regulations restricting testosterone levels in female runners.

She will now have to take medication to reduce her testosterone levels if she is to keep gracing the tracks.

Her tweet included a quote which said something about ‘knowing when to walk away’.

????‍?? pic.twitter.com/gCzZap740L — Caster Semenya (@caster800m) May 2, 2019

 

Semenya, 28, who is set to run in the Diamond League opener in Doha on Friday, seems to have more lovers than haters after fans rushed to encourage her following her worrying tweet.

We will fight for you African sister, champion of the ppl, who gives hope & inspiration to the world. We will never give up. Athletes from around the world - please stand up against this injustice. Don't allow racism, sexism to win the day. #HandsOffCasterSemenya

— Roland Williams ???????? #ThumaMina (@Roland_Williams) May 2, 2019

Your a legend whatever you decide everyone women & girl child will never forget your achievements. Life is bigger than #IAAF & #Olympics discrimination.

As nation we are proud to call Mokgadi wa rena mo afrika????????????????#CasterSemenya pic.twitter.com/UKpNRvALke — Qhawekazi (@NiniQhawekazi) May 2, 2019

Only Caster knows what's best for Caster, walking away or staying you have Mzansi's support. Forever Champion — Xolane (@Hlangus83) May 2, 2019

You were viewed as a threat and not a challenge. Your competitors couldn't take it. You are the one who is a good sportswoman. Shame about the spoilt sportsgirls who couldn't take it but you beat them while you had the chance. Get it Caster. ????????????? — Lucy Griffiths (@LucyUGriffiths) May 2, 2019

Please don't give up , we love you Mokgadi pic.twitter.com/Rfqi1GVN7J — Rae (@Rae57885375) May 2, 2019

 

Apart from the fans' tweets, the South African has also received backing from her country's Athletics Management Body and fellow athletes.

The South African Athletics Body President Aleck Skhosana appeared to shoot down suggestions Semenya could quit [Courtesy]

The South African Athletics Body President Aleck Skhosana appeared to shoot down suggestions Semenya could quit by describing her as "an outstanding athlete who has a continuous hunger for great results"

 "We believe that Caster will shake off the world attention currently around her to give us another exceptional performance and give the world new topics to talk about." He said.

The two-time 800m Olympic champion also received a word of encouragement from Kenya’s 800m 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist, Margaret Wambui Nyairera who tweeted in support of the South African on Wednesday.

Kenya’s 800m 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist, Margaret Wambui Nyairera (right) also tweeted in support of Semenya [Courtesy]

“This life sometimes is so unfair but everything that happens with a reason Caster this is life we African we have nothing to say in this world and nothing we can do about it so pole (sorry) my dear so painful.” Wrote Nyareira.

The IAAF, however, welcomed the court’s decision through their president Lord Coe.

"It's pretty straightforward. Athletics has two classifications, it has age and gender.

"We are fiercely protective of both and I am really grateful the court of arbitration has upheld that principle." Said Coe.