800m world champion Caster Semenya--whose gender was questioned by athletic officials--has a new look on the cover of South Africa's YOU magazine. While some may question her motivation, the decision isn't all that surprising. Just like other celebrities, athletes are regularly dressed up and photographed in the popular press and this 18-year-old deserves to enjoy the limelight. Further, after reading her comments to the BBC, it seems that she holds a healthy perspective:
"I am who I am and I'm proud of myself."
Ms Semenya..says she is not bothered by the negative publicity following her gold medal at the Berlin World Championships last month. "I see it all as a joke, it doesn't upset me. God made me the way I am and I accept myself," she said.
Sounds like this woman has a good head on those strong shoulders. As I wrote yesterday, it's often our very quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us uniquely beautiful. I hope Caster enjoys her victory.
