Caster Semenya 's antie Martina Lamola (L) and her siblings, Thabang (13) and Nkele Semenya (R) show off on August 20, 2009 her achievement at her home in Molejie, outside Polokwane. South Africa declared new 800-metre world champion Caster Semenya a "golden girl", as the nation rallied around her family to fend off doubts that she is a woman. Front pages in every major newspaper pictured a triumphant Semenya who powered to a 1minute 55.45seconds win -- the world's best this year -- shortly after the athletics governing body announced her gender was to be verified. The South African government and ruling African National Congress (ANC) stepped into the furore, condemning the speculation as serving to portray woman as weak and calling Semenya a role model for young athlete. AFP PHOTO/STRINGER/SOUTH AFRICA OUT (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)
