CASTER SEMENYA

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Caster Semenya of South Africa in action during the Women’s 800m Final’s on day 9 of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Athletics Stadium on April 13, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

“God made me who I am and I accept myself” – Semenya

She’ll let her running do the talking.

CASTER SEMENYA

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Caster Semenya of South Africa in action during the Women’s 800m Final’s on day 9 of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Athletics Stadium on April 13, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Middle distance superstar, Caster Semenya has once again been the center of controversy, albeit not her own doing, but through new regulations introduced by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

In March the IAAF council approved a proposal to limit natural testosterone levels in females competing in the 400m, 400m hurdles, the 800m and the 1500m.

This means that female athletes competing in these distances have three choices; take medication in order to control their testosterone levels, move up to longer distances, or quit.

The new laws were officially put in place last month, and have come under widespread criticism as they are viewed as a gross human rights violation and targeted towards Semenya who, incidentally, has competed in all but one of the above-mentioned track events.

But the 27-year-old has taken it in her stride, choosing to keep quiet about the controversy surrounding her, and instead, has taken to social media to post cryptic messages addressing the issue.

One of the many critics of this controversial ruling has been Indian sprinter, Dutee Chand who, very much like Semenya, had come under heavy scrutiny regarding her testosterone levels.

She had recently won a court battle, which allowed her to compete in short distances, and has offered the South African her support if she’s to go the legal route.

“I have offered Semenya my legal team if she needs. I have emailed her offering my support and help,” Chand was quoted by AFP.

Here at home, many have thrown their weight behind SA’s golden girl, including former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela and Sports Minister, Thokozile Xasa.


Semenya is set to compete again on Wednesday, at the IAAF Diamond League in Doha in the 1500m.

Also read: Caster Semenya’s Instagram is completely lit right now