Caster back in the spotlight

Athletics is the sport, more than any other, which can be a true barometer of an individual’s prowess and the proof that humankind has that ability to propel their physical abilities to new levels – running faster, longer and soaring higher.

That is how we view athletics and it is why the sporting world is so enthralled by the Olympic Games.

But in recent years there has been an ugly side to this sport which is worrying and disturbing. South Africa has one of the finest women athletes in its history.

We should be lauding her ability to obliterate the records while leaving competitors in her wake.

But instead we have had to endure the shameful hounding of Caster Semenya, because her testosterone levels are higher than a normal woman’s.

There have been sniping remarks by those she has beaten, particularly European competitors, who claim she has an advantage over them.

The International Athletics Federation (IAAF) has apparently agreed the South African has an edge over other women and have proposed the rules be changed to force so-called “hyperandrogenic” athletes or those with “differences of sexual development” (DSD) to keep testosterone levels below a prescribed amount.

That rule was put on ice last year and will now be tested at a hearing at the Court of Arbitration next week.

The court’s findings could prove a death-knell to Semenya’s athletics career if it goes against her. The South African is 28 years old and has a few more years to compete.

The aim of this stupidity is to appease those who really cannot beat her where it matters most – on the track.

They have resorted to all manner of outrage as they cannot countenance playing second fiddle to a woman who has a natural athletics talent.

We have to ask why she is being forced to run the gauntlet of ridicule, scorn and endure such unnecessary medication to bring her testosterone down to acceptable levels?

All she wants to do is what she does best, and she once said as much: “I just want to run naturally, the way I was born. It is not fair that I am told I must change.”

The South African athletics authorities and the government should do more than just leave the outcome in the hands of the international body, who have shown nothing but scorn for our double Olympic champion.

That they are challenging the IAAF’s eligibility rules apropos its testosterone proposal is welcomed, but the world body should be told to lay off Semenya. Enough is enough.

Why is she forced to run gauntlet of ridicule and endure such petty medication to bring her testosterone levels down?