‘It divides rather than unites athletes…’ ANC leads the condemnation of ruling

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party has said it is “appalled” by Caster Semenya’s defeat in her landmark testosterone case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Backed by Athletics South Africa, the double Olympic 800 metres champion had appealed against the introduction of a testosterone limit for women with naturallyoccurring high levels of the hormone by athletics’ governing body, the IAAF. In a statement, the ANC said it was “appalled at the decision handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.” It added: “It is rather disheartening to learn that the court has ruled against Caster Semenya in her

fight to be treated equally and without prejudice (but) it is important to note that the decision was not unanimous.

“The ANC has always appreciated the role of sport as a unifier that traverses the racial, ethnic, religious, gender and class divide.

“Yet today we witness the IAAF, a body meant to be the custodian of the values for athletics, acting in a prejudicial manner that divides rather than unites athletes.”

The statement concluded

by praising Semenya for her dignity “throughout this ordeal” and called on the international sports community “to raise their voices at this injustice”.

South African minister of sport and recreation Tokozile Xasa struck a slightly more conciliatory tone, saying she was “naturally disappointed” with the verdict but would wait to read the full 165-page judgement before deciding a way forward.

“As the South African government we have always maintained that these regulations trample on the human rights and dignity of Caster Semenya and other women athletes,” she added.

There is little doubt these views will be shared by many around the world. Human Rights Watch’s Liesl Gerntholz said: “Women with intersex variations have the