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Caster Semenya loses appeal over IAAF testosterone rules

Caster Semenya has lost her appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the International Association of Athletics Federations’ rules restricting testosterone levels in female athletes.

The South African runner, 28, appealed the IAAF’s testosterone restrictions, on the basis that her status as an athlete with differences in sexual development (DSD) meant she would have to take medication to suppress testosterone to compete in certain events.

In lodging her appeal, Semenya had described the IAAF’s regulations as “unfair”.

In handing down their ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said it held “serious concerns as to the future practical application” of such regulations.

The court ruled that the IAAF’s policy was discriminatory, but on a 2-1 vote ruled that such discrimination was “necessary”.

“On the basis of the evidence submitted by the parties, such discrimination is a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of achieving the IAAF’s aim of preserving the integrity of female athletics in the Restricted Events,” the judgement read.

South African Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya looks on after running the 1500m senior women final at the ASA Senior Championships at Germiston Athletics stadium, in Germiston on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa on April 26, 2019. (Photo by STRINGER/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
South African Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya looks on after running the 1500m senior women final at the ASA Senior Championships at Germiston Athletics stadium, in Germiston on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa on April 26, 2019. (Photo by STRINGER/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Semenya is a dual-Olympic gold medallist in the 800-metre sprint.

She will now have to take medication to suppress her testosterone levels in order to defend her world title in the event this October.

Sporting world reacts to landmark case

The CAS judgement instantly became a talking point around the world.

All eyes were on Semenya herself, who responded with a simple tweet.

Many others had a more visceral reaction to the CAS findings.

Some considered the science behind the IAAF’s rule to be flawed, while others criticised the decision as ‘cruel’.