Caster Semenya: Man or Woman or Both?
Athletics have seen its share of controversies in the past, and in recent weeks the case of Caster Semenya, the South African athlete is no different. The controversy arose after Semenya won the gold medal in the 800 meter final at the World Championships in Berlin. Based on protests from the other female athletes questioning Semenya’s gender, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) opened a gender verification investigation.
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Caster Semenya, 18 year South African athlete, won the gold medal for the women’s 800 meters, at the World Championship in Berlin, in a winning time of 1.55.45, the world’s best time this year. Her closest rival, and silver medalist in the event, was Janeth Jepkosgel timed at 2.45.00. According to the guardian.co.uk, in 2008, Semenya ran a best time of 2.11.98. Suspicions were, however, raised due to Semenya’s muscular frame, deep voice, and the time she ran at the meet.
As a consequence, the IAAF requested Semenya to prove she is a woman by submitting to a gender verification test. The procedure was estimated to take several weeks due to the complexities, involving medics, scientists, gynecologists and psychologists. The two issues involved were, firstly, whether she was a man or a woman, and secondly, would she be stripped of the medal, if the result was unfavorable.
Since the revelation, the South African Sports officials have come to the defense of Semenya. The group met to decide how to respond to the case, and according to the Associated Press (AP), referred the dispute as a circus, created by alleged leaks from the international track and field body”
The IAAF has reportedly refused to comment on an Australian report that the gender test revealed that Semenya is a hermaphrodite, with both male and female characteristics. The IAAF admits it has received the results, which is currently being studied, and will make a decision in November, as to whether Semenya will be allowed to compete as a woman in the future. The matter has caused a strained relationship between the African Sports Association (ASA) and IAAF causing Leonard Chuene, President of the ASA to resign from the IAAF board. According to the Associated Press (AP), in an interview Chuene said that “you can’t sit there denying and fighting”
This matter will be difficult to decide, and no wonder the IAAF is taking time to decide on the issue. Either side, Semenya or the other female athletes may challenge the decision in court.
