Semenya will attempt 200 for Olympics
Caster Semenya said she was switching events to the 200 meters in a bid to run at the Tokyo Olympics.
The two-time Olympic 800-meter champion is barred from competing in top-level events from 400 meters to the mile unless she undergoes treatment to reduce her natural testosterone levels. Semenya has refused to do so, calling the rules and the medical intervention required unfair and unethical.
Semenya announced her decision to change events on her Instagram account Friday.
She said her decision was driven by a desire “to compete at the highest level of sport” and that “this decision has not been an easy one but, as always, I look forward to the challenge and will work hard, doing all I can to qualify for Tokyo and compete to the best of my ability for South Africa.”
Semenya needs to improve her personal best over 200 meters by nearly two seconds to qualify for the Tokyo Games. Her best is 24.26 seconds, set in South Africa in February 2019. The Olympic qualifying standard is 22.80 seconds.
The NBA and the players union have agreed to enter a moratorium during the suspended season, according to the Athletic.
There will be no trades, signings, player/team options or 10-day contracts during this period. When the moratorium ends April 10, the parties will reassess the situation.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson went ahead with surgery for a right shoulder injury that had sidelined him for three weeks.
The Florida House of Representatives gave the final legislative approval of a bill that would help college athletes in the state make money from their name, image and likeness, beginning July 1, 2021.
If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the bill, Florida will join California in having this type of a law.
A former Canadian Football League player pleaded guilty to participating in a college admissions cheating scheme by hiring someone to take the SATs in place of his two sons.
David Sidoo, a businessman from Vancouver, Canada, pleaded guilty to a mail fraud conspiracy charge in Boston federal court.
Minnesota men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino will return for his eighth season . ... Illinois-Chicago fired men’s basketball coach Steve McClain after five seasons.
Ted Cox, the first major league player with hits in his first six at-bats, died. He was 65.
Cox made his major league debut for the Boston Red Sox in 1977, and his hit streak broke the record set by Cecil Travis of the 1933 Washington Senators.
Dana Zatopkova , an Olympic javelin champion and the wife of running great Emil Zatopek, died. She was 97.