Semenya fights gender rule at top sports court

LAUSANNE: Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya of South Africa went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday to challenge proposed rules that could force her to lower her testosterone levels.

Semenya made no comment as she arrived at the court in Lausanne for the start of a week-long hearing that is likely to define the rest of the 28-year-old’s career.The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) says it is introducing the rules to create a “level playing field” for other female athletes. The South African government says the rules specifically target Semenya and has called them a “gross violation” of her human rights.

The controversial measures would force so-called “hyperandrogenic” athletes or those with “differences of sexual development” (DSD) to take drugs to lower their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount if they wish to continue competing. The rules were to have been introduced last November but have been put on hold pending this week’s hearings. A judgement is expected by the end of March. As he arrived at the court, IAAF President Sebastian Coe said: “Today is a very, very important day. “The regulations that we are introducing are there to protect the sanctity of fair and open competition.” Athletics South Africa has strongly backed Semenya. Its chief advocate Norman Arendse said she would give evidence.