Caster Semenya and her partner, Thando Zwane, were eliminated after finishing last in a bottle-stacking challenge on Tropika Island of Treasure: Réunion Island.
Semenya and Zwane, competing as Team Orange, faced Team Blueberry Cheesecake, comprising Leandie du Randt and Anke Coetzer, and Team Green Apple, made up of Nadia Nakai and Andile Khuluse.
The contestants had to stack 21 Tropika bottles of different sizes on a wobbly wooden disc while being tied together at the wrists and using only one hand each.
Team Orange initially appeared to be in contention before their disc collapsed, forcing them to restart. Despite several attempts, they were unable to recover and finished last.
Reflecting on her unexpected early exit, Semenya said she was disappointed but accepted the outcome.
“Nobody goes to an island to compete and to leave first. But the moment it happened, I felt at peace. I compete to win, always, but I also respect the game,” she said.
Semenya said her sporting background helped her with discipline and mental toughness, but the competition required more than physical strength.
“Tropika is not the track. It is not just physical, it’s puzzles, balance, patience, strategy,” she said.
She also credited Zwane for their partnership, describing him as a “calm, positive soul” and saying their teamwork was built on mutual respect.
Despite her elimination, Semenya said the experience left her grateful.
“A champion is not defined by winning every time, but by how you walk away. I walked away proud, grateful and a better person,” she said.
Tropika Island Of Treasure airs on SABC 1. — iol.
