Semenya can get back on track after gender all-clear

Caster Semenya has spoken of her delight at being able to return to the track after the International Association of Athletics Federations gave her the all-clear to resume her career.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jul 2010, 10:58 BST

The 19-year-old has not competed in 11 months following the furore over her gender that erupted with her victory in the 800m at last year's World Championships in Berlin.

But a statement from the governing body read: "The IAAF accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that she can compete with immediate effect. The medical details of the case remain confidential and the IAAF will make no further comment on the matter."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While Semenya has not confirmed when she will return to the track it is likely that the World Junior Championships in Canada in July and October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be among her key targets.

Semenya said: "I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me."

The decision to allow the teenager to return to racing brings to end one of the most controversial stories in sport.

The controversy over Semenya's gender emerged after she lowered her personal best in the 800m by over four seconds at the African Junior Championships prior to the World Championships in Berlin. Her time of 1min 56.72sec meant she had lowered her record by seven seconds in nine months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee admits he would be embarrassed not to win 10 to 15 medals at the European Championships.

He is confident of reaching the medal target set by UK Sport, but his ambition of a record-equalling 18 looks to have been ruined by the absence of a number of star names, including Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu (quad injury).

The championships in Barcelona get under way on July 27 and Sheffield heptathlon star Jessica Ennis captains the GB side.

Great Britain & Northern Ireland team includes – Men's marathon: Dave Webb (Leeds City); 4x400m relay: Richard Buck (City of York); high jump: Martyn Bernard (Wakefield); long jump: Chris Tomlinson (Newham & Essex Beagles).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Women's 200m: Emily Freeman (Wakefield); 3,000m steeplechase: Hatti Dean (Hallamshire); marathon: Susan Partridge (Leeds City); 20km walk: Joanna Jackson (Redcar); 4x100m relay: Emily Freeman (Wakefield); heptathlon: Jessica Ennis (City of Sheffield).

Related topics:BerlinCanada