Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘We back Caster all the way’
THE South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) yesterday voiced its disappointment over the controversial decision taken by the International Association of Athletics Federations ( IAAF) to amend its classification for athletes with differences in sexual development.
The decision relates to “female or intersex ( or equivalent)” athletes and affects those with elevated blood testosterone levels competing in five events – 400m, 800m, 1 500m, one mile and the 400m hurdles.
Caster Semenya, who is the world and Olympic 800m champion and won the gold medal in the 800m and 1 500m events at the recent Commonwealth Games, is expected to be affected by the new ruling, which will come into effect on November 1.
Sascoc said it was concerned the rights, confidentiality and privacy of athletes was being affected.
“All our athletes have our unequivocal backing,” said Sascoc president Gideon Sam.
“We continue to produce high-quality sportsmen and women and will continue protecting the rights and dignity of our athletes and our member federations.”
The body said it was disappointed by the IAAF ruling “especially given that Caster’s name is again being dragged through the publicity mill.
While we are guided by, and respectful of sports law, we continue to produce athletes of a high calibre and support them every step of the way.”