Semenya loses to CAS against world association IAAF

The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected an objection by the South African against the so-called “testosterone rule” of the IAAF, the world athletics association.

The IAAF wants to introduce a limit for endogenous testosterone of five nanomoles per liter over certain distances (400 m to a mile). This forces athletes with “Differences of Sexual Development” (DSD) such as hyperandrogenemia to artificially lower their testosterone levels, which are sometimes well above the limit. Semenya's testosterone levels are not publicly known.

The CAS said in its statement that while the regulations were "discriminatory," a majority of the three-member panel found that "these disadvantages are necessary, appropriate and a proportionate means of achieving the IAAF's goal of maintaining the integrity of women's sport in the United States." the restricted disciplines.” The committee also expressed some “serious concerns” about the practical applicability of the regulations.

According to the IAAF, the performance advantage of female athletes with naturally elevated testosterone levels is said to be up to 4,5 percent. The IAAF has repeatedly emphasized that it is concerned with “fair competition” between women.

“Sometimes the best reaction is not to react.” After the decision, Semenya tweeted a picture with the sentence: “Sometimes the best reaction is not to react.” Semenya had already had to artificially lower her testosterone level at times during her career and had achieved significantly slower times as a result.

The IAAF reacted “delighted” to the CAS decision and said the regulations would come into force on May 8. From this point on, all athletes in the disciplines mentioned would have to comply with the rules. The restriction that female athletes must be below the limit for six months before international starts was initially suspended. Female athletes who comply with the limit values before or after May 8th are eligible to compete in Doha.

Semenya can appeal the verdict to the Swiss Federal Court, and going to the European Court of Human Rights is also conceivable. The CAS decision, initially scheduled for March 26, was postponed due to the complexity of the case.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Hockey

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Semenya loses to CAS against world association IAAF

Two-time 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya has suffered a potentially far-reaching legal defeat and faces an uncertain future as a competitive athlete.

Suggestions