Controversial Runner Semenya Gets Clearance To Compete From IAAF
Johannesburg, South Africa (AHN) - After accepting a panel of medical experts' conclusions regarding her gender tests, the International Association of Athletics Federations cleared South African runner Caster Semenya Tuesday to return to competitive running.
It will end the 11-month exile from the sport of Semenya, who has not raced since her victory at the World Championships last summer.
Controversy arose after Semenya, then 18-years-old, posted the fastest 800 meters time in the world in Berlin last year. She toppled defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei by 2.45 seconds.
The native of Polokwane, Limpopo province, who has an unusually developed muscular built and a deep voice, coupled with her dramatic improvement in times, led the IAAF to order gender verification tests.
The sports governing body, in a statement Tuesday, gave the go-ahead signal to Semenya to compete with "immediate effect" after it accepted the conclusion of a panel of medical experts.
Medical details of Semenya's case would remain confidential, according to the IAAF.
Semenya has not competed since reported leaked tests results alleged she was a hermaphrodite.
Tuesday's vindication paves the way for Semenya, who turned 19 on July 1, to return to competition at the world junior championships in Moncton, New Brunswick, starting July 19.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
