Caster won in 1:56.72 at the African Junior Championships in Mauritius.

Her winning time bettered Zelda Pretorius’ 18 year old SA record of 1:58.85. She has also closed in on Kenyan Pamela Jelimo’s African record of 1:54.01.

Caster said after her performance, that was described by newspapers and websites as a major upset, her best is still to come.

“I could have finished the race in a faster time was it not for the strong frontal wind in the straight,” Caster told reporters.

Caster’s time places her amongst the top 20 800 athletes of the last two decades.

The fact that Caster has been improving with every race this year gives her a realistic chance to claim a stake at the World Championships.

“Delighted,” commented Leonard Chuene, president of ASA, on Caster’s superb performance.

Leonard told the news agency Sapa in an interview: “For us it was a matter of time before she dipped under two minutes but we are still overwhelmed by the manner in which she has done it. Her performance leaves us over the moon.”