Semenya Backs South Africa's Olympic Bid for 2036
The two-time Olympic 800m champion supports a South African bid to host the Games in 2036 or 2040.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Olympics
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Two-time Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya has backed South Africa's bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036 or 2040. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has identified Durban as the country's preferred host city.
Why it matters
South Africa is competing with other international cities for the Olympic hosting role, and a successful bid would bring the Games to the country for the first time. Support from a prominent former athlete may strengthen the country's case as it prepares its submission.
The bid is aimed at either 2036 or 2040, with Durban named as the preferred host city by SASCOC. It remains unclear which year South Africa will target, and the formal timing of any submission has not been confirmed.
The players
Caster Semenya
A South African middle-distance runner and two-time Olympic 800m gold medallist who is also a former world and Commonwealth Games champion, and who runs the athletics club Masai and a foundation developing young athletes.
South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC)
The national body responsible for South Africa's Olympic sport, which oversees the country's Olympic participation and has identified Durban as its preferred host city.
The details
Caster Semenya, a former world and Commonwealth Games champion who is now 35, has thrown her support behind the bid. SASCOC has identified Durban as the preferred host city, and South Africa is competing with other international cities for the role.
Timeline
2036: a possible year for South Africa to host the Olympic Games.
2040: a second possible year for South Africa to host the Olympic Games.
Season Trajectory
The bid follows South Africa's hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first such tournament held on the African continent. A successful Olympic bid would extend the country's pattern of pursuing major international sporting events.
A successful bid would mean the Olympic Games are held in South Africa, with Durban as the proposed host city, potentially bringing major international events to the country. Fans would be able to follow the bid's progress through SASCOC announcements as the 2036 and 2040 options are narrowed.
The takeaway
Support from prominent athletes such as Caster Semenya can help national bids gain visibility as cities compete for the Olympic Games. Readers following the bid should watch for SASCOC's decision on the target year.
Further reading
For more on the country's sporting ambitions, see Olympics coverage on South Africa's hosting prospects.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SABC.
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