With two Olympic golds and three World Cup golds in the 800 meters, she dominated the distance for many years before she was stopped after too high innate levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, a battle she then lost in all instances in a protracted process.
She is not allowed to compete in distances between 400 meters and 1609 meters (one English mile).
Last week, the surprising news came that 31-year-old Semenya would start at 5000 meters.
She was far behind in the first heat where she finished in 13th place with a moderate 15.46.12.
She knew in advance that there was no chance to move on but was still happy.
"Willing to teach me even more"
- I think it's fantastic to be able to run here.
Just being able to finish five kilograms, for me it's a blessing.
I am learning and I am willing to learn even more, says Semenya who seems to have had a taste for running long distances even though it does not suit her particularly well.
- It was hot, could not keep up with the pace, I tried to keep up as much as I could.
But you know, it's part of the game, Semenya told World Athletics.