Semenya set for return to track

South African athlete Caster Semenya says she will return to competitive racing this season, months after claims about her gender threatened her running career.

Semenya_090821_B_aap_233036402


Semenya released a statement of her intentions on the same day she was denied a chance to run at a meet in South Africa because the IAAF have yet to release their findings from her gender verification tests.

The 19-year-old, who hasn't raced or spoken publicly since she won the women's 800m at the world championships in Berlin in August, said on Tuesday she has not done anything wrong and should be allowed to race.

"I hereby publicly announce my return to athletics competitions," Semenya said.

The IAAF are still reviewing the test results to determine the South African runner's eligibility.

The organisation has refused to confirm or deny Australian media reports the tests indicate Semenya has both male and female sex organs.

In the statement, Semenya said her legal advisers had tried to contact the IAAF three times but didn't get any response about when she can return to competition.

No ban or suspension in place

"The result is that my athletic capabilities and earning potential are being severely compromised," Semenya said.

Although there is no ban or suspension preventing Semenya from competing, it is thought she had agreed not to race until the IAAF releases their findings.

"I am of the firm view that there is no impediment to me competing in athletics competitions," Semenya said.

"I will however continue to assist the IAAF with whatsoever they may require for their own processes and in this regard I have instructed my legal and medical team to work closely with and continue negotiation with them for these purposes."

Earlier on Tuesday, Semenya was denied a spot to race at a meet in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town, despite pleas from her coach and lawyer to let her compete.

Although she was in Stellenbosch, she refused to talk about her situation.

"Why would I want to talk to media," Semenya told The Associated Press. "I don't want to talk to you."




Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS

Tags

Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world