Caster Semenya eliminated from Tropika Island of Treasure

Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya and her partner, Thando Zwane, were the first contestants eliminated from the twelfth season of ‘Tropika Island of Treasure’ on Réunion Island.

Competing as Team Orange, the pair struggled during a disc challenge that required stacking 21 bottles of varying sizes on a wobbly wooden disc while their wrists were tied together. Despite an initial strong start, their disc collapsed, and subsequent attempts under pressure left them as the last team to complete the task.

Reflecting on the early exit, Semenya expressed disappointment but noted her respect for the competition. She stated, “I compete to win, always, but I also respect the game. I was disappointed, yes, but more grateful that I got to be there at all.” She added that her experience in sports has taught her that while one cannot always control the result, one can control their response.