Johannesburg - Controversial 800 metres world champion Caster Semenya was given a rousing welcome when she arrived home Tuesday from the world athletics championships.
A police guard of honour collapsed under the weight of shoving fans as the gold medallist passed through it at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport.
Crowds turned out in force to greet Semenya and fellow athletes including men's 800m champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and long jump silver medallist Kgotso Mokoena.
Excited fans pushed and shoved to get closer to Semenya in the international arrivals hall. Police had to hold onto the 18-year-old as they escorted her out of the hall while thousands of people jogged behind her as he was being led to a stage.
The whole team was scheduled to meet President Jacob Zuma who with other government officials arrived shortly before Semenya.
South Africans have rallied behind Semenya after the international athletics federation IAAF last week in Berlin called for her to undergo a gender verification test. (dpa)
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