Caster Semenya Loses Case Seeking to Stop IAAF from Forcing Her to Reduce Her Testosterone Levels
South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has lost a landmark case where she was challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules seeking to force female athletes to reduce their testosterone levels.
In a ruling on Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Semenya's challenge against the IAAF's new rules.
However, the CAS says it has "serious concerns as to the future practical application of the regulations."
In response to the ruling, the 800 meters Olympic champion says she knew the IAAF was specifically targeting her with the new rules.
"For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of Cas will not hold me back," Semenya notes.
"I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world."
The ruling means IAAF will compel Semenya, 28, and other "hyperandrogenic" athletes or those with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) to take drugs to lower their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount for them to be allowed to continue competing.
The rules were introduced in 2018 but have not taken effect due to the case filed by Semenya.
Earlier this year, Semenya issued a statement declaring that she's "unquestionably a woman."
Although CAS has found the rules to be discriminatory, it notes that the discrimination is "necessary, reasonable and proportionate" to protect "the integrity of female athletics".
Semenya can appeal against the CAS ruling to the Swiss Tribunal Courts within the next 30 days.
Comments (7)
If she is the "husband" in her Marriage: She needs the Testosterone.
Kwani what makes one "absolutely woman" or man for that matter? It's unfair they still want to reduce qualities which make her great! Next time they'll ask her to undergo an F.G.M! by the way has/can she ever conceive? Ghai!hawa watu!
Semenya has no ovaries in her body, which are the ones that produce female hormones. She also has internal testicles, which produce the male hormone Testosterone. Should she compete as a woman, because she has female sexual organs, or as a man, because she has male hormones?
Well, someone had to make that hard decision. In RIO Olympics, it has been rumored that the first 3 in the women's 8oo meters are hyperandrogenic, that is, Semenya, Nionyonsaba,and Nyairera. All from africa. Coincidence? May be....The first two have been confirmed as hyperandogenic.As for Margarete Nyairera,rumors are based on the musculin physique.
The only fear I had were results to favor Semenya is that,what would stop some countries to intentionally round up their hyperandogenic persons,and harvest the athletes among them?This is not far fetched,knowing how lucrative sports have become in today's world. Take dopers for example. Despite the risk of getting caught, athletes still dope.
Yes the matter is controversial but if women's sports were to survive, there has to be away to distinguish men from women.I am optimistic that this matter shall be settled once and for all by my religion SCIENCE.
After reading your comment, l went back and googled who the 3 you mentioned are. I would understand why anyone doubts their femininity. No breasts, gastrocnemius muscles resemble those of Tyson, weeee
For those who follow sports, this issue has been front and current as the awareness that the strict male-female categories could be more ambiguous,coupled by the increasing movements for self-gender identification, and use of sex-change operation, which is becoming more common.
So what do you suggest? create sports for each category,or do away with categories and just have the best human beings run against each other,like male and female do scholastic tests?