Caster Shuts Down Car Debate Brilliantly: “Comparison is the Thief of Joy”
While social media pundits in South Africa have been arguing over why Caster Semenya was not gifted with an Audi R8 sports car like fellow Olympic gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk, the two athletes themselves have only love and mutual respect for each other. A tweet by radio presenter Anele Mdoda summed up the feeling of some disgruntled sports […]
While social media pundits in South Africa have been arguing over why Caster Semenya was not gifted with an Audi R8 sports car like fellow Olympic gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk, the two athletes themselves have only love and mutual respect for each other.
A tweet by radio presenter Anele Mdoda summed up the feeling of some disgruntled sports fans who felt Caster was ignored because she’s a woman: “Wayde gets gold, Audi R8 and Caster gets gold, car dololo” (which means ‘nothing’).
It was pointed out by many, including Audi, that Wayde is an ambassador for Audi (since before the Olympics) and this was part of his sponsorship deal after his record-breaking win… whereas Caster is sponsored by Nike who do not manufacture cars!
As the tweets became increasingly heated, some – like @MsHamana – reminded South Africans “we can love Caster without hating on Wayde.” (Wayde himself later tweeted: “I would just love us to all just get along and be a unit for once.”)
Other tweets called on BMW to sponsor Caster, or for fans to club together to buy Caster a luxury vehicle.
BMW South Africa weighed in Friday morning to say: “We’ve been in touch with Caster’s agent since end Aug regarding a potential partnership.”
The athletes themselves have tried to shut down the debate. Wayde tweeted: “I love and respect @caster800m so let’s not compare our blessings. And use our talents to inspire each other.”
Caster replied: “hommie go enjoy your gifts. You have worked hard for this, salute ❤.”
She then shut down the debate with an image of a Theodore Roosevelt quote she posted: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Caster Semenya will make her international debut in the 400m in Brussels tonight.
On Twitter:
The reward that started it all…
A new Audi R8 to go with his new world record. pic.twitter.com/Yd1SE44meT
— audisouthafrica (@audisouthafrica) September 7, 2016
The question…
What do you think of this? Fair assessment or has Caster also received the same accolades? pic.twitter.com/42HnmzsKBX
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) September 9, 2016
The answers…
https://twitter.com/PandaDeti/status/774162391839891456
Hi Anele, to reiterate what has already been mentioned, we had chosen Wayde, Cameron and Anaso as Audi Sport Ambassadors prior (1)
— audisouthafrica (@audisouthafrica) September 9, 2016
to the Olympic Games. The R8 was presented to Wayde in lieu of him breaking the world record, (2)
— audisouthafrica (@audisouthafrica) September 9, 2016
A new question…
#2 Wade @WaydeDreamer is an ambassador for @audisouthafrica while Caster is sponsored by Nike. A better question is why Audi chose no women?
— MadamMadiba (@SikeeDlanga) September 9, 2016
A potential solution…
We've been in touch with Caster's agent since end Aug regarding a potential partnership.
— BMW South Africa (@BMW_SA) September 9, 2016
The athletes have their say…
@LeMondZuid @Destiny_Man @audisouthafrica @castersemenya hommie go enjoy your gifts. You have worked hard for this, salute ❤
— Caster Semenya (@MightyCaster) September 8, 2016
— Caster Semenya (@MightyCaster) September 9, 2016