26 November 2019

Nike launches 'Birthplace of dreams' film to celebrate life and achievements of South Africa's Caster Semenya

Nike have launched a film documenting the life of South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya.

The new release, titled 'The birthplace of dreams' is narrated by Caster herself and tracks her journey from her humble beginnings in Limpopo to professional athlete, Olympic champion and running coach.

Her story starts in the small village outside Polokwane, South Africa. She recalls that at the time she spent her time playing football before she realised her dream of being an 800m athlete.

"I played under 14. Most people came to see me play, how I played because they know I'm a girl. I was fast, I played a fast game," she said.

She attributes the support from her family for her journey to Olympic stardom saying: "Positivity comes from where you’re coming from. How you’re raised, the love that you get from your family and their belief in you. If people believe in you, you’ll always be positive, you’ll be a believer."

Along with her wife Violet and her close friend Koketso Mogapi she started the Masai Athletics Club in Pretoria and Soweto. The club aims to discover young athletes and develop them into the running stars of the future. 

Her passion, sense of family and desire to inspire another generation is evident throughout the film which is available to view on Nike News.

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