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.
Caster Semenya loses fight at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, reject appeal to overturn IAAF’s proposed eligibility rules for female athletes with naturally-occurring high levels of testosterone to either take medication or compete against men
— Mark Woods (@markbritball) May 1, 2019
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.
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.
🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/FHmm10npfx
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) May 1, 2019
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’.
Breaking: South African runner Caster Semenya has lost her case at the sports arbitration court in Switzerland. But the court expresses "serious concerns" at the IAAF's new testosterone regulations and admits that it will be difficult for them to be enforced fairly. pic.twitter.com/PP7aw5AVF5
— Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) May 1, 2019
its this paragraph right here that makes me even more sick about this #CasterSemenya decision.
the nerve to actually make this admission. pic.twitter.com/Evq4Fx7PCU
— Morena (@Mothupiii) May 1, 2019
“Will it be easier for you if I wasn’t so fast? Will it be easier if I stop winning? Would you be more comfortable if I was less proud…” 💔 disappointing and unfair judgment 😞#CasterSemenya
— Karabo M.🇿🇦 (@Karabo_Mabz) May 1, 2019
This is bad science, it's unbearably cruel, it's bigoted as all hell, and fuck everyone who thinks Caster Semenya deserves to be publicly humiliated like this. https://t.co/m1LkTCQVMk
— Kayleigh Donaldson (@Ceilidhann) May 1, 2019