The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday upheld IAAF rules which would force her to reduce her testosterone levels.
Under the new IAAF rules, which will apply to women events between 400 metres to the mile, athletes classed as having DSDs will have to reduce their blood testosterone level to below five (5) nmol/L for a period of six months before they can compete. They must then maintain it below that level continuously.
While the IAAF says the rules are essential to preserve a level playing field, the two-time Olympic 800m champion said they are “unfair”, and that she should be allowed to “run naturally, the way I was born”.
The Doha competition may be her last 800-meter race before IAAF begins implementing the new rules.
Following Wednesday’s ruling, Semenya said she would not be deterred from chasing her ambitions.
“I know that the IAAF’s regulations have always targeted me specifically. For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world,” the 28-year-old said.
