IAAF accused of targeting African women

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Parliament has condemned the “discriminatory regulations” passed by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), which may affect top South African athlete Caster Semenya.

The IAAF has amended its classification for athletes with differences of sexual development. The decision affects “female or intersex” athletes who have elevated blood testosterone levels who compete in five events – 400m, 800m, 1500m, one mile and the 400m hurdles.

Semenya is the Olympic champion in the 800m and she won the 1500m at the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Following her victory at the 2009 World Championships, it was announced that she had been subjected to gender testing to establish whether she is indeed a female.

Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Thandi Modise said the IAAF’s moves should be condemned by all human rights proponents around the world.

“Physiques of African women have and continue to suffer unjustified and racially humiliating scrutiny and mockery. This must stop,” said parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.
-0- PANA CU/MA 30April2018