Semenya Promises Legal and Public Fight Against IOC Gender Tests
Double Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya has pledged to challenge the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) new policy requiring gender testing for female athletes, calling it a violation of women’s rights.
Speaking to Reuters on Monday, the 35-year-old South African said:
“We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard… If really we are accepted as women to take part, why does my appearance or my voice, why do my inner parts need to be a problem to take part in the sport?”
Semenya has long been at the center of disputes over eligibility rules for athletes with a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD). She previously challenged World Athletics over regulations limiting her participation due to naturally high testosterone levels associated with XY-DSD.
The IOC policy, announced last week, will require all athletes competing in the female category to undergo a cheek swab or saliva test. Those testing positive for the SRY gene, which triggers male characteristics, may face further investigations.
Semenya rejects the premise that XY-DSD confers any athletic advantage:
“I’ve been there, I’ve done that. There’s no such thing as that… If you’re going to be a great athlete, it’s through hard work.”
She criticized the IOC for failing to consult athletes with DSDs before finalizing the policy.
“They sent us a letter the day they were going to publish [the new policy]… If you’re going to consult, consult with a genuine heart. Don’t consult because you’re ticking the box. Unfortunately, they have ticked a wrong box.”
Semenya described the new rule as undermining women’s dignity and rights, saying it questions athletes based on their genetics, physique, or hormone levels rather than their skill or effort.
