PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
South Africa backs Semenya in landmark classification case
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Government has thrown its weight behind track star Caster Semenya after the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) indicated that it will attempt to have her classified as a “biological male” at a landmark case in Lausanne, Switzerland next week.
The association has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to rule whether any athlete with differences in sexual development (DSD) must have their testosterone reduced to female levels before they compete internationally.
The Olympic gold medallist has previously been subjected to gender testing. After winning gold in the women's 800 metres at the 2009 World Championships, she was withdrawn from international competition until 6 July 2010 when the IAAF cleared her to return to competition.
Semenya is now challenging the proposed rule by the IAAF that seeks to restrict the levels of testosterone in female athletes.
Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa, who is backing Semenya, said the bottom line is that Semenya has never taken any hormone boosting substances or illegal stimulants. "We feel the IAAF is hindering human rights, not just for Caster but for all girls," said Xasa.
-0- PANA CU/AR 15Feb2019
The association has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to rule whether any athlete with differences in sexual development (DSD) must have their testosterone reduced to female levels before they compete internationally.
The Olympic gold medallist has previously been subjected to gender testing. After winning gold in the women's 800 metres at the 2009 World Championships, she was withdrawn from international competition until 6 July 2010 when the IAAF cleared her to return to competition.
Semenya is now challenging the proposed rule by the IAAF that seeks to restrict the levels of testosterone in female athletes.
Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa, who is backing Semenya, said the bottom line is that Semenya has never taken any hormone boosting substances or illegal stimulants. "We feel the IAAF is hindering human rights, not just for Caster but for all girls," said Xasa.
-0- PANA CU/AR 15Feb2019
