Career Timeline of Caster Semenya: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Caster Semenya made an impact.

Caster Semenya is a South African middle-distance runner celebrated for her achievements in the 800 metres, including two Olympic gold medals and three World Championships. Her victories include gold at the 2009 World Championships, the 2016 Olympics, and the 2017 World Championships, where she also won a bronze in the 1500 metres. She was later awarded gold medals for the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics following the disqualification of Mariya Savinova.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2008: Participates in World Junior Championships and Wins Commonwealth Youth Games

In July 2008, Caster Semenya participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships in the 800 m but did not qualify for the finals. She won gold at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games with a time of 2:04.23.

August 2009: Wins Gold at World Championships

In August 2009, Caster Semenya won gold in the 800 metres at the World Championships with a time of 1:55.45, setting the fastest time of the year.

2009: Wins Gold at World Championships

In 2009, Caster Semenya won her first gold medal at the World Championships in the women's 800 metres.

August 2010: Wins ISTAF Meet in Berlin

On 22 August 2010, Caster Semenya won the ISTAF meet in Berlin, running under 2:00 for the first time since the controversy.

2012: Carries Flag and Wins Silver Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2012, Caster Semenya carried the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics. She later won a silver medal in the women's 800 metres at the same games.

2016: Wins Gold at Olympics

In 2016, Caster Semenya won a gold medal at the Olympics in the women's 800 metres.

2016: Wins Three Titles and Gold at Rio Olympics

In 2016, Caster Semenya won all three of the 400 m, 800 m, and 1500 m titles at the South African National Championships, setting world-leading marks in the first two events. On 20 August 2016, she won the gold medal in the women's 800 metres at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. She also set a new personal best for the 400 m of 50.40 at the 2016 Memorial Van Damme track and field meet in Brussels.

2017: Wins Gold and Bronze at World Championships

In 2017, Caster Semenya won a gold medal in the 800 metres and a bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the World Championships.

September 2019: Joins SAFA Sasol Women's League Football Club

In September 2019, Caster Semenya joined the South African SAFA Sasol Women's League football club JVW owned by Janine van Wyk.

2019: Wins 5000m at South African Championship

In 2020, Caster Semenya announced that she had decided to switch to the 200 meters for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in order to avoid the 400 m to one mile ban. She had previously won the 5000 m at the South African championship in 2019.

2020: Decides to Switch to 200 Meters

In 2020, Caster Semenya announced that she had decided to switch to the 200 meters for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in order to avoid the 400 m to one mile ban.

April 2021: Confirms She Will Not Try to Make 200 m Qualifying Standard

On 15 April 2021, Caster Semenya confirmed she would not try to make the Tokyo 2020 200 m qualifying standard.

May 2021: Runs Personal Best in 5000m

On 28 May 2021, Caster Semenya ran a personal best of 15:32.15 in the 5000m, 22 seconds slower than the necessary time to be allowed to compete at the Olympics.

2022: Competes in 5000 Meter Race at World Athletics Championships

In 2022, Caster Semenya ran in the 5000 meter race at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. It was her first major international competition since 2017. She finished almost a minute behind first place in her heat of the semifinals and did not advance to the finals.