Semenya told to take gender test
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/08/19/caster.semenya.copy.jpg]
BBC
New world 800m champion Caster Semenya has been asked to take a gender test, according to athletics' governing body.
The International Association of Athletics Federations says it demanded the test three weeks ago amid fears she should not be able to run as a woman.
IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said the "extremely complex, difficult" test results were not due for several weeks.
The South African athletics federation insists it is "completely sure" that Semenya, 18, is a female.
"We would not have entered her in the female competition if we had any doubts," said a statement.
Semenya won gold in impressive fashion on Wednesday, leaving her rivals trailing as she won in a time of one minute, 55.45 seconds.
Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second, a massive 2.45 seconds adrift, with Britain's Jennifer Meadows taking bronze.
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Filed under: Beyond 360 • T1 |
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What concerns me about the IAAF's decision to bring this issue in for public scrutiny without the results is that its all based on very fickle suppossitions. They are a lot of women who are very masculine and to do this to an 18 year old and totally overshadow her achievements is unforgivable. I am sure this could have been handled better.
Whether Semenya is a female or not that is an amazing run time.
But, I hope that Semenya is a female just for the fact that the time would stand.
Why do they think she is not a female? Just because she ran faster than anyone else? I hope this ends in a good way – that she is confirmed a female and a winner and celebrated throughout he world for her race results.
Wow, if she ends up passing the gender test I would sue their butts off!!