The IAAF Says Caster Semenya Must Lower Her Testosterone Levels Or Compete in Longer Distances
A new controversial set of rules will affect Caster Semenya severely.
South African middle-distance athlete Caster Semenya might be forced to compete in longer distance dashes.
This comes after the International Association of Athletics Federation announced that this Thursday it will reveal new rules for athletes with hyperandrogenism (high levels of testosterone in the female body). The rules, according to a report by the Daily Mail, will force Semenya to either take medication to reduce her naturally occurring testosterone levels or move to longer-distance events.
The rules will apply to athletes who run distances between 400m and a mile. If Semenya doesn't reduce her testosterone levels by taking medication, she will be forced to switch to 5,000m and 10,000m.
They want Caster to take daily MEDICATION if she wants to compete in 800m or 1500m - her specialties. Otherwise she must compete in longer distances like 5000m and 10 000m or quit the sport. Is that correct @iaaforg?! https://t.co/yHY4MLxjAu
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) 25 April 2018
As far as I know Caster's testosterone naturally produces itself. So the #IAAF is basically wanting to systematically exclude her by forcing her to stop existing as herself. I feel the human rights violation here is as clear as day & we say not today nor ever.
— the fearless self ✨ (@Msomifaya) 25 April 2018
Caster Semenya is a black woman who excels on the track. They will do whatever it takes to put her at a disadvantage and shove her to failure. Disappointing but unsurprising. #LRT
— Mmaphuti Mashamaite (@Miss_Masha23) 25 April 2018
No one saw this coming, as in July 2015 the Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a decision to suspend the regulations on hyperandrogenism.
This is also not the first time the South African athlete faces a challenge of this kind. In 2011, after her victory at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, a similar rule was introduced.
This is horrible. What part of the game is asking a human being to alter a hormone that produces itself naturally in their bodies?
