Semenya chooses Mutola as new coach

South African runner Caster Semenya, who took the world 800m title in 2009, has chosen Mozambican legend Maria Mutola as her new coach, local media said Tuesday.

Mutola the 2000 Olympic 800m champion and triple outdoor champion in 1993, 2001 and 2003 will train Semenya ahead of the London Olympics.

Semenya, 20, has been at the centre of a controversy about her true gender since her win in Berlin in 2009.

In July 2010, she was cleared to compete in women's events and has since sought to put the controversy behind her. She stook the silver in the 800m at the World Championships in South Korea last month.

"Maria has been my idol since I started to run," Semenya told local media. "After Korea, I was asking Maria if she is interested in coaching me. Her answer was positive and I am very happy now."

"Maria has had (a) long and super successful career. She will be a great teacher for me."

JOHANNESBURG, AFP