Female athletes, who have above-normal amounts of testosterone, are yet to overcome a rule that requires them to take medication to lower their testosterone levels to be eligible to race in future international competitions. In the event they don’t want to alter their body’s chemistry, these athletes must then compete against men! Testosterone is a hormone that strengthens muscle tone and bone mass, and is a doping product if injected or ingested: high doses render one to appear muscular and vice versa.
But now, affected female athletes can compete if they lower their testosterone levels over six months and continuously thereafter-to remain in contention. This has given hope to Olympic 800m bronze medalist Margaret Nyairera, who could have missed out on the Tokyo Olympic Games slotted for July this year. Nyairera is hopeful World Athletics ruling on high testosterone levels among female athletes will be rescinded one day.