Caster still in limbo
NEW RULING: SEMENYA RECEIVES OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AFTER SETBACK
Indian sprinter offers star services of her legal team to fight IAAF over body’s new regulations.
While Caster Semenya received overwhelming support this week, following the announcement of a new international rule which was allegedly intended to sideline the world 800m champion from competitive athletics, it remained unclear whether the contentious matter would return to court.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) confirmed on Thursday that its new regulations would come into effect in November, forcing wom- en with hyperandrogenism to reduce their natural testosterone levels in order to compete internationally in events ranging from 400m to the mile (1.609km).
Athletes born with the condition, which elevated the production of androgens, would be classified under the new Difference of Sexual Development (DSD) category.
Despite the IAAF receiving a pat on the back from some quarters, they faced widespread criticism for the decision.
Indian sprinter Dutee Chand (right), who won her case against the IAAF at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) which resulted in the amendment of a previous hyperandrogenism rule which was applied to all disciplines, said she had reached out to Semenya.
“I feel for athletes like Semenya,” Chand told
“I strongly believe the current rules are also wrong.”
Chand said she had offered Semenya the services of her legal team, while various law firms had offered to handle the case pro bono if the South African athlete wanted to challenge the decision at the Cas.
Semenya, however, had not yet revealed whether she would put up a fight, with other options available to her including the use of medication to reduce her natural testosterone levels, which could have a negative impact on her performances, or stepping up in distance to the 5 000m event, which would be a big leap for a two-lap specialist to take.
South African government and sport bodies also backed the middle-distance runner, though they seemed reluctant to commit to any specific support.
“We understand the emotion around the IAAF’s ruling, but we first need to conduct a detailed study into the ruling,” said SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) president Gideon Sam.
“Internally we will be engaging with both the Athletics SA and Sascoc medical commissions before deciding on what step needs to be taken going forward.”
The sports ministry also intended to assist, though it was unclear in what capacity.
“The Sport and Recreation Ministry will continuously engage with relevant bodies and utilise all available avenues to ensure that Caster and other athletes likely to be affected by this are allowed to participate unhindered by measures to reduce their competitive edge,” the department said.