Semenya fails in Olympic qualifying attempt

Former world champion Caster Semenya cruised to victory Saturday in her first 800 metres race of the season without reaching the London Olympics qualifying time. The 21-year-old South African clocked 2:03.60 at a national athletics series meeting in this north-west university town -- well outside the 1:59.90 time needed for a passport to the Games this July and August. Semenya, considered one of the best medal hopes from a country that managed just one in Beijing four years ago, told reporters she was "stupid" not to take the lead from the beginning of the race. "I thought the other athletes would push the pace, but we all learn from our mistakes," said the athlete thrust into the international spotlight after winning the world title in Berlin three years ago. She underwent gender tests after her success, did not compete for 11 months, suffered a back injury, and dropped coach Michael Seme in favour of former Olympic 800m gold medalist Maria Mutola. Semenya overcame the turmoil to finish second when she defended the world title in South Korea last year and assuming she qualifies, will be one of the big hopes in a South African Olympic team set a 12-medal target by officials.