Caster Semenya: The South African Runner Who Took On the IAAF

WEB Background

Caster Semenya is a South African middle-distance runner who has won two Olympic gold medals and three world championships over 800 meters. Born on January 7, 1991, Semenya is an Olympic, world, and Commonwealth champion.

WEB What Makes Caster Semenya Unique?

Semenya has been a controversial figure in athletics due to her high levels of testosterone, which some believe give her an unfair advantage. In 2009, she was subjected to gender verification tests by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which ruled that she was ineligible to compete in women's events unless she took medication to lower her testosterone levels.

Semenya fought the IAAF's ruling, arguing that it was discriminatory and violated her human rights. In 2019, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in her favor, allowing her to compete without medication.

WEB Caster Semenya Today

Semenya continues to compete in track and field, and she remains one of the most dominant runners in the world. She is a role model for many young people, especially those who are facing discrimination.