Q&A: Caster Semenya on why she’s joining ‘Tropika Island of Treasure’ Season 12
· The South African
Tropika Island of Treasure is simmering as the celebrities of the show are unveiled for season 12, and Caster Semenya is one of those celebrities.
We sat down with the 35-year-old athlete to pick her brain about what made her say ‘Yes’ to this challenge.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
Are you excited to be part of season 12?
Very, very excited.
What is it about the competition that excites you?
It’s not about the cars and the trip, you just have to be human once in a while. I think it’s more to pull myself out of my comfort zone, to socialise, to mix with other personalities, and just to have fun.
It’s about making connections with other people, and showing my kids another side of me – being playful. Because right now I’m a parent, I’m an athlete, I’m a coach, and if they can see the fun part of me, they will see that they can approach me… Right now, I’m a mentor and coach, and I’m strict.
But this is a chance to play games, it’s a mental challenge, a physical challenge, critical thinking – it unlocks some of the things you didn’t know you had in you.
One can’t assume you’re competitive because of your career. Are you?
I’m very competitive by nature, but this is more about teamwork. It’s about being more accommodating and sympathetic as well.
It’s about being a team player and trying to build your partner to make sure that you stay on the same page. It’s about getting to know your partner and them getting to know me, and picking them up when they are down and them doing the same for me. It’s more about balance.
Having watched previous seasons, what is your ideal setup or in which scenario do you think you will be at your best?
Looking back at previous seasons, I like how they choose the colours, and the puzzle games, because sometimes they got frustrated thinking they got the shapes but didn’t.
Obviously, what stands out is the running part because that’s my thing. If I have to carry my partner, I’ll do that because it’s about winning.
View this post on Instagram
Do you easily get frustrated?
No, I’m very patient. If you want to win, you have to have more patience for your partner as well as yourself. If things don’t work out how you expect, you’re gonna have to accept and move on. Think critically about how you can make up for that loss or disappointment.
Are you friends with any of the celebrities on this season?
I gel easily with anyone, as long as your energy is pure and genuine. I think I’m an easy person to get along with. I don’t know most of them, but I already get along with them. I’m a very open person and easy-going, as long as you’re true to yourself and you’re not self-centred… I’ll be good with you.
Do you have any fear going into the competition?
I don’t have any fears. The only fear is being away from my kids.
I’m not afraid of heights, water, fire, snakes, I’m not afraid of nature… this is a beautiful setup to be in.
It’s about improving yourself as a person. And also to show the world another side of you – yes, I can be playful, I can be emotional, passionate.
How are your kids feeling about this?
I’m sure they’re not gonna be happy that I’m away, but they will love seeing me having fun. They’ve not seen me play. Funny enough, I’ll see them Google me or watch my documentaries, and they ask questions because they’re curious.
But I know that three weeks is too much… Remember, I’ve been there since day one, it’s been seven years for my firstborn, and five years for my secondborn. I’ve never been absent for even a day, so you can imagine when you’re away for even two or three days, it becomes emotional. They don’t function when I’m not around.
What lucky charm or emotional support item will you take with you, if any?
I’ll take their favourite teddy bears, that’s the only thing that will make me feel closer to them. But pictures I already have, maybe one of their favourite chains or something, so that when they see me, I’m holding something that they love.
What strength do you think will put you above your competition?
Mental strength is first and foremost, physical strength also, but I think being there for your partner whenever they need you. It’s one thing to be strong, but what am I doing for my partner to be on the same level and be supportive of their strengths as well?