Quotes from Caster Semenya

We all know that we Africans just win medals in middle and long distance, and walking in their footsteps makes me feel proud, you know.

I've always liked to be on my own, since I was young. I like the sound of a quiet place. It helps me focus.

Athletics is athletics. When you do sport, you are gambling. You run, you win, you lose. It doesn't matter if you are competing or you are not competing.

If I'm at my best, I feel I must win gold all the time.

When I'm racing, I'm thinking about my own race. I'm not thinking about anybody.

I really don't have time for nonsense.

I was world champion, but I was never able to celebrate it. It was a joke for me.

I am a dreamer. And what I dream of is to become Olympic champion, world champion, world record holder.

With each year I experience, I become more relaxed. I know now what is important to listen to and what to ignore. You only get that with age.

I am of the firm view that there is no impediment to me competing in athletics competitions.

People are always asking me for pictures, signing autographs, everywhere I go. Before, it used to irritate me, but I've learned to handle the situation. I cannot run away unless I lock myself in my room and never go out.

It's always great to perform, make the podium, and yeah, gold, silver, and bronze, will also encourage other nations, Asia, America to do better.

From a young age, I was a pretty good listener, a strong lady. Maybe it helped me that I never felt intimidated by anybody. Even at school, I was always strong. I believed in myself, in what I do.

Running a fast time is good; it's better than winning. You can win with a slow time. To me, it doesn't mean anything. I like running a fast race more than a slow race.

I don't drink gases, like Coke - just juice and water, and I don't drink alcohol.

I gave up soccer. But I don't think I can ever stop running.

I am not a fake. I am natural. I am just being Caster. I don't want to be someone I don't want to be. I don't want to be someone people want me to be. I just want to be me. I was born like this. I don't want any changes.

When I am in that lane, and I hear, 'Caster Semenya from South Africa,' I always know I am doing it for my people. They love and support me, and I will always do them proud; I will always put them first. Without them, I am nothing.

If I win gold, I will dedicate it to Nelson Mandela. He is a hero in South Africa, and everything I do, I do for him.

Yes, I learned history at school; I know everything about apartheid. My dad, he bought the books about it, stuff like that. But I just move on with my life. It's completely different for me.

I am a fighter. I never give up.

I want to give myself new challenges. I want to get better.

I think sports are meant to unite people.

I don't understand when you say I'm a man or I have a deep voice. I know I'm a female, so there's no question for me.