The Life of Intersex Runner Caster Semenya
Caster Semenya is an Olympic gold medalist â but she was recently barred from competing at the next IAAF World Athletics Championships because of her testosterone levels. This is her story. đ
Quick decisions on âsomeone looks like a manâ
An Olympic champion who has hyperandrogenism, Caster Semenya was born in 1991, in South Africa. As a child, she played soccer but later switched to track and field. At the age of 18, she was noticed at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin. Her appearance, deep voice and performance surprised many. She was suspected of being a man. The International Association of Athletics Federations conducted âfemininity testingâ on her.
Nick Davis IAAF spokesman states, âThere is a protocol, itâs the IOCâs protocol, the Olympic sport protocol, on gender verification. And thatâs why itâs so rigorous and so important to do the tests and not to make quick judgements, quick decisions on âsomeone looks like a man; therefore, they must be a man.â In August 2010, the verdict came: she is intersex and has hyperandrogenism â which means her body produces a high level of testosterone.â
Starting in 2009 for 2 years, the Federation and the Court of Arbitration for Sport clashed over draft legislation that could prevent her from competing or require her to undergo hormone treatment. In January 2017, she renewed her vows to her partner, Violet Raseboya, who sheâd married in a traditional ceremony in 2015. A few months later, she won her 3rd title for the 800 meters and won the bronze medal for the 1,500 meters in the World Championships held in London.
In March 2018, she earned a degree in Sports Science. In May 2019, the International Association of Athletics Federations introduced a regulation requiring female athletes with hyperandrogenism to undergo treatment to lower their testosterone level before they can compete in races ranging from 400 meters to a mile. In July 2019, despite the appeals Semenya submitted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Swiss Supreme Court, the Federationâs regulation held. Semenya was barred from competing and will not be able to participate in the World Championships taking place this September in Qatar.
Brut.
697 comments
Fancy L.
03/03/2021 18:23She isn't the only one banished from racing as a woman,we also have nyairera margaret of kenya and niyonsaba francine of burundi both 800m athletes.
Natalie B.
02/26/2021 17:16This ruling is so unfair & she should be able to compete!!!! Jealousy & Hate is a terrible thing! đĄ
Peter D.
02/22/2021 13:32It happened to Aprilia Manganang of Indonesian women's volleyball team,she was accused that she is born(male) because of her physique but nonetheless the result is fair
Jacqueline B.
02/22/2021 05:47I think they racist and don't want her to win..She works very hard and true athlete..They very wrong to ban her..
Louise C.
02/14/2021 11:32Usain Bolt had a natural talent and in most races was miles ahead of the pack ...but was he banned to make it fairer to the others ....no....natural talent just like this lady ....
Deborah S.
01/27/2021 21:03So unfair that she is treated so badly by the World Athletics. đĄ
Victoria V.
01/22/2021 13:04Are you kidding me??!!!đ€Ź I am so enraged right now after watching this! She has done absolutely everything that she deserves and the one thing, that is so dear to her, you try to force take away from her! absolutely disgusting as wellas degrading, not only to the ruling but towards her, as a WOMAN, a HUMAN BEING! you all should be ashamed of yourselves!!! How dare you! đ€Ź
Chloe E.
12/04/2020 10:28đđđ
Toyin D.
11/12/2020 00:15They cannot stand that she is black, fierce and talented. Also, to me her condition should not matter once an athlete always an athlete.
Sefanaia L.
10/30/2020 05:37Wow
Laurie S.
10/29/2020 17:02There should be a separate category in which she could compete with others born like her.
Melodie S.
10/25/2020 23:11If she was an American it would be ok....or white
Melodie S.
10/25/2020 23:09So man competing with woman. They changed their gender and claiming they are women.kmt
Semenya A.
10/25/2020 12:39Hello
Rhys-Ann W.
10/25/2020 03:23So she gets banned but transgender men and women are allowed to represent the genders they identify as in sports??
Onuwdiwo B.
10/22/2020 02:39I don't care what you've done, how black your sins are, how smutty your life is; Jesus Christ is knocking at your heart's door to forgive you, no matter who you are. Jesus Christ loves you.
Onuwdiwo B.
10/22/2020 02:39No matter how rich you might be, No matter how you can be, No matter who you might be, The greatest thing there is that any man can achieve in these Earth, Is To Achieve ETERNAL LIFE .. Amen..60-0304 ... THIRSTING FOR LIFE ..
Onuwdiwo B.
10/22/2020 02:39Only Jesus Christ Our God and Our Creator only can save us from death. Isaiah 9: 6, Revelation 1: 8, John 1:10, 5: 21-25,40 6: 23-48, 51-58, 63, 8: 51. 11: 25-26. 1 Corinthians 15:22. Jesus Christ is coming anytime repent.I don't care what you've done, how black your sins are, how smutty your life is; Jesus Christ is knocking at your heart's door to forgive you, no matter who you are. Jesus Christ loves you.
Kaylin K.
10/20/2020 10:18Nobody cares about a cheater
Sandra P.
10/19/2020 12:08Very talented. Hope she can continue to so what she loves