Remember not so long ago when Usain Bolt decided he wanted to make his love for soccer more than just a passion, and turn it into a career?Well, it seems there is somebody else with a similar idea.
Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic 800-meter champion, has now officially joined a soccer club in South Africa after difficulties with the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), otherwise known as one of the governing bodies for track and field. On Friday she joined up with JVW Football Club, based in Gauteng, South Africa as she takes her speed to the pitch.
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After Usain Bolt retired from his running career, he had a trial with Borussia Dortmund, appeared in UNICEF Soccer Aid matches, and finished his very short career at Central Coast Mariners in Australia.
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Caster Semenya on the otherhand was forced to change paths following a series of setbacks with the IAAF. Semenya, who is assumed to be hyperandrogenic, meaning she naturally has levels of testosterone that exceed “normal” limits, was told she needed to undergo hormone intervention to lower her testosterone levels in order to compete in distance running that are 1500 meters and shorter. Semenya and her legal team immediately fired back, filing an appeal of the decision, arguing that the regulations are a violation of human rights.
That said, she has already taken well to the training, as she played soccer as a child, and her club captain was impressed with her ability and understanding of the game. As she embarks on her new journey, she will be hoping to have a much better career than that of Usain Bolt. Well, either that or win her legal case so she can go back to running while she is properly trained and ready to go for another 800-meter event.
