EMOTION OVER ATHLETE IS CLOUDING IAAF’S HYPERANDROGENISM DECISION

SOUTH Africa has so little to be proud of that it is quite natural for the Caster Semenya controversy to raise the emotional levels in the country. Our “golden girl” is under threat. When emotion comes into play, rational thought is obliterated. This is the case with the IAAF’S new female eligibility rules.

Firstly, there is no proof or evidence that Semenya has specifically been targeted. Pure speculation. There are other athletes with the same problem. Even Paula Radcliffe, women’s marathon record holder, stated: “I think it has been made with the IAAF trying to make it fair for the majority.” I agree.

Secondly, the ruling is not a sudden thumb-suck but a “culmination of 15 years’ work, scientifically reviewed” (Sebastian Coe). Professor Yoga Poocoo, of the University of Johannesburg, has found that athletes with hyperandrogenism do have an advantage over other athletes. Professor Steve Cornelius’s resignation from the IAAF is a huge mistake. His input would have been far more decisive within the federation. He has now lost the advantage. Again, an emotional decision that is fundamentally flawed. I don’t think his resignation will have any impact on the IAAF.

I do, however, agree that the ruling should cover both field and track athletes. I find it hard to believe that athletes who have an added advantage over their rivals can feel “victimised”. An athlete who takes performance enhancers so as to have an advantage over his/her rivals is immediately suspended and banned for years. It is only when the playing fields are levelled that we can call Caster Semenya our “golden girl” with conviction and pride.

J.R. Whitlock