Caster semenya news
Caster Semenya is a South African middle-distance and long-distance runner who has been involved in several high-profile controversies and legal battles related to her gender and athletic eligibility. Here are some recent news updates about Caster Semenya:
- CAS Ruling: In May 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Semenya's natural testosterone levels were not a "disadvantage" and that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regulations requiring her to take medication to lower her testosterone levels were "discriminatory". The ruling allowed Semenya to continue competing in women's events without taking medication.
- IAAF Appeal: The IAAF appealed the CAS ruling to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, which upheld the CAS decision in October 2020. The IAAF then appealed to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, which rejected the appeal in February 2021.
- Olympic Eligibility: In June 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Semenya would be allowed to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but only in the 5,000 meters event, not in the 800 meters event, which is her specialty.
- New Regulations: In November 2021, the IAAF introduced new regulations requiring female athletes with high natural testosterone levels to take medication to lower their levels in order to compete in certain events. Semenya has vowed to challenge these regulations in court.
- Legal Action: In December 2021, Semenya launched a legal challenge against the IAAF and the World Athletics Federation (WA) at the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that the new regulations are discriminatory and violate her human rights.
- Support from Athletes and Advocates: Many athletes, including Olympic champions like Usain Bolt and Eliud Kipchoge, have expressed support for Semenya and criticized the IAAF's regulations. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have also spoken out against the regulations, calling them discriminatory and harmful.
These are just a few of the recent news updates about Caster Semenya's ongoing legal battles and challenges related to her gender and athletic eligibility.