Who is asking Semenya to take a gender verification test?
A female runner accused of being a man tonight took gold in the 800m World Athletics Championship. South African Caster Semenya, 18, had to take a gender test after doubts were raised about her sex. But despite the furore, she easily took gold in the final in Berlin. The teenage sensation has sparked controversy over her strikingly muscular physique. Today officials at the world athletics body, the IAAF, revealed that it ordered her to take a gender test three weeks ago. IAAF spokesman Nick Davies confirmed the tests were taking place, though he said the results would not be confirmed for several weeks. Until the results are confirmed, there was nothing to prevent Semenya from competing in tonight’s final, he said. He added: ‘At this moment in time we do not have any evidence to stop her running.’ South African athletics chiefs furiously denied the claims and stated Semenya was definitely female. Molatelo Malehopo, general manager of Athletics South Africa, said: ‘She is a female. We a
Facing questions about her gender, South African teenager Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal Wednesday at the world championships. Her dominating run came on the same day track and field’s ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman. Semenya took the lead at the halfway mark and opened a commanding lead in the last 400 meters to win by a massive 2.45 seconds in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds. Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second and Jennifer Meadows of Britain was third in 1:57.93. About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius. Sources: http://www.google
