Introduction to Caster Semenya’s Case
The two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has denied reports that she is ending her legal challenge against the rules for gender authorization in athletics. In an interview, Semenya stated, "We are fighting forever." This comes after a partial victory in July, where the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that a Swiss Court of Appeal had not strictly checked her case, leaving the possibility of further legal measures against World Athletics.
Background of the Legal Dispute
Semenya’s legal struggle began in 2018 when she took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Both CAS and the Swiss Court of Appeals, the Swiss Federal Tribunal, decided in favor of World Athletics. The organization stated that athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) had to reduce their testosterone levels, arguing that their condition gave them an unfair advantage in the female category. Semenya refused to take drugs to suppress her testosterone, sparking a lengthy legal battle.
Recent Developments and Semenya’s Stance
Last week, one of Semenya’s lawyers, Patrick Bracher, was quoted as saying that her challenge would "not be taken further under the circumstances." However, Semenya suggested that Bracher had been misquoted, stating, "It’s not about stopping, it’s never the end. You didn’t understand what my legal team said. It is not the end, it is only the beginning to make sure we are fighting the right thing." Semenya emphasized that World Athletics constantly changes its guidelines, and she wants to ensure that athletes are protected.
Criticism of World Athletics’ Leadership
Semenya criticized World Athletics’ leadership, stating that their regulations are not certain for sport. She argued that the organization’s president, Sebastian Coe, has introduced rules that are not fair for everyone. Semenya said, "If you want to regulate, you have to regulate fairly for everyone. We have to promote that instead of promoting mediocre. It has nothing to do with regulation, it is about people who impose other people." She also questioned the quality of the managers, saying that they cannot impose rules that they know are not illegal in their countries.
Conversation with Imane Khelif
Semenya revealed that she had been in contact with Algerian Olympian Imane Khelif, who was accused of failing sex tests at the Olympic Games in Paris. Semenya advised Khelif to be brave and fight for justice, saying, "As women who are faced in a similar situation, they have to be brave, fight for justice and make sure they just love themselves as they are." Semenya emphasized that every athlete should "fight" when it benefits them, but it is not an illusion about the toll that her legal fight has taken on her.
The Toll of the Legal Fight
Semenya acknowledged that the legal fight has taken a personal toll on her, saying, "It takes the person out of them, it takes away vulnerability. People will always have an opinion from them. They have to mute their real feelings. They cannot show weakness. It costs them the person they are." Despite this, Semenya remains determined to continue her fight, stating that she will keep fighting to ensure that athletes are protected and treated fairly.
