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”.
Following the ruling on Wednesday, Semenya’s legal team said in a statement that the regulations were discriminatory.
“Women with differences in sexual development have genetic variations that are conceptually no different than other genetic variations that are celebrated in sport. The IAAF’s basis for discriminating against these women is their natural genetic variations. Ms Semenya believes that women like her should be respected and treated as any other athlete. As is typically the case across sport, her unique genetic gift should be celebrated, not regulated,” the statement read.
The 28-year old said the ruling will not deter her from competing.
“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,” she said.
