Tropika Island of Treasure is heating up as the show’s celebrities for the twelfth season are revealed, with Caster Semenya being among them.
The South African engaged in a conversation with the 35-year-old athlete to discover what prompted her to embrace this new challenge.
Are you excited to be part of season 12?
Absolutely thrilled.
What is it about the competition that excites you?
It’s not about the vehicles or the travel; sometimes, you need to connect with your humanity. I believe it’s more about stepping outside my comfort zone, interacting with diverse personalities, and simply enjoying myself.
It’s about forming bonds with others and letting my children see a different side of me – being carefree. Currently, I’m a parent, an athlete, and a coach, and I have a strict demeanor. If they witness my playful side, it will show them they can approach me more easily… At the moment, I’m focused on mentoring and coaching.
This represents an opportunity to engage in games, face mental and physical challenges, and tap into parts of myself I might not even be aware of.
One can’t assume you’re competitive because of your career. Are you?
I have a naturally competitive spirit, but this experience focuses more on collaboration. It’s about being understanding and empathetic as well.
The emphasis is on teamwork and working together to ensure alignment. It’s crucial to learn about my partner while allowing them to learn about me, uplifting each other in tough moments. It’s more a matter of creating harmony.
Having watched previous seasons, what is your ideal setup or in which scenario do you think you will be at your best?
Reflecting on earlier seasons, I appreciate the chosen colors and the puzzle challenges, as they sometimes led to frustration when players thought they understood the shapes but didn’t.
Clearly, the running aspect stands out because that’s where my strengths lie. If it comes down to carrying my partner, I’m willing to do that because it’s all about securing a win.
Do you easily get frustrated?
No, I possess a great deal of patience. To achieve victory, one must be patient with both their partner and themselves. When things don’t go as planned, it’s necessary to accept it and think about how to remedy that loss or feeling of disappointment.
Are you friends with any of the celebrities on this season?
I connect well with anyone, as long as their energy is authentic and sincere. I consider myself easy to get along with. I may not know many of them, but those I’ve met so far have clicked with me. I’m very approachable and laid-back, as long as you’re genuine and not self-absorbed… I’ll get along with you just fine.
Do you have any fear going into the competition?
I’m not afraid of anything, except possibly being separated from my children.
Heights, water, fire, snakes—none of those frighten me. I’m not intimidated by nature… this is an incredible environment to be a part of.
This experience is about self-improvement. It’s also an opportunity to showcase another aspect of my personality – yes, I can be fun, emotional, and passionate.
How are your kids feeling about this?
While they might not be thrilled about my absence, they will enjoy seeing me have fun. They’ve never witnessed me in a playful setting. Interestingly, I find them searching for me online or watching my documentaries, curious and full of questions.
However, I know that three weeks is a significant amount of time… Remember, I’ve been present since day one; it’s been seven years with my eldest and five with my youngest. I’ve never left them alone for even a day, so you can imagine how emotional it is being away for two or three days; they truly struggle when I’m not there.
What lucky charm or emotional support item will you take with you, if any?
I’ll bring their beloved teddy bears, as that’s the one thing that will help me feel connected to them. As for pictures, I already have plenty, but perhaps a favorite chain or something they cherish so I can carry a piece of them with me.
What strength do you think will put you above your competition?
Mental resilience is essential, along with physical strength. However, I believe being supportive for my partner when they need it most is crucial. It’s one thing to be strong physically, but what am I doing to ensure my partner feels supported and that we are both aligned in our strengths?
