Experts dispute testosterone test for top female athletes

Having unusually elevated levels of the hormone -- known to boost muscle strength and bone mass -- is not enough to make a world-class athlete like double Olympic champion Semenya [Photo Courtesy]

Barring South African runner Caster Semenya from competition due to naturally high testosterone levels would be like excluding basketball players because they are too tall, experts commented Thursday, days before the top sports court is set to hand down a ruling.

Having unusually elevated levels of the hormone -- known to boost muscle strength and bone mass -- is not enough to make a world-class athlete like double Olympic champion Semenya, who has dominated the women's 800 metres over the last decade, they argued.