Francine Niyonsaba becomes first athlete with DSD to break world record
Francine Niyonsaba became the first athlete who has identified herself as having a difference of sex development (DSD) to officially break a world record.
Burundi’s Niyonsaba broke the 2,000 metres world record, finishing with a time of 5 minutes and 21.56 seconds at a Continental Tour event in Zagreb.
The 28-year-old, who won the 5,000 metres Diamond League title in Zurich recently, shaved nearly four seconds off the outdoor record and over two seconds off the indoor mark.
Niyonsaba, an 800 metres silver medallist at the 2016 Olympics, is banned from her preferred distance because of World Athletes Rules. Athletes with DSDS are barred from competing internationally between 400m and 1600m unless they take medication to reduce their high testosterone.
She moved up to 5,000 metres at the Tokyo Games but was disqualified for a lane infringement in her heat, while she finished fifth in the 10,000 metre event.