IAAF new rules could drive Semenya out

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

World athletics’ governing body on Thursday introduced controversial new rules for female athletes who have high testosterone levels in a move seen as targeting South Africa’s double Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya.

The new rules will allow such athletes to compete only if they take medication to reduce naturally occurring levels of testosterone.

Semenya has long raised controversy because of her powerful physique and deep voice, as well as revelations of hyperandrogenism, the medical condition which causes a person to produce high levels of male sex hormones.

She replied to the new rules by retweeting messages of support and the slogan: “How beautiful it is to stay silent when someone expects you to be enraged.”

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has for years struggled to create a “level playing field” for female athletes while respecting Semenya’s rights.

The South African has responded by winning one title after another.