Image: Caster Semenya, via Facebook
It’s been a long week for South African Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya.
The athlete flew to Lausanne, Switzerland, to challenge the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) proposal that female athletes with high testosterone levels be prescribed medication to reduce the hormone for them to compete in international races.
Here are five articles on the issue that you need to read:
IAAF denies claims
Reports that the IAAF would class Semenya as “biological male” made headlines one week ago.
The sports ministry pledged its support for Semenya, saying it would back her as she prepared to challenge the federation. The IAAF released a statement in which it denied the claims made in the reports.
Support for Semenya
The news quickly became public, resulting in an outpouring of support for the athlete.
Through Twitter, people sent messages of love and support throughout the hearing, which started on Monday.
American tennis great Billie Jean King also expressed support for Semenya.
Sports minister Tokozile Xasa announced that the ministry would cough up R25m to foot Semenya’s legal bills.
‘Hands off Caster’ petition
More than 20,000 people have signed a petition to support Semenya. The target is 25,000 signatures.
Many have shared the petition on social media.
Xasa flies to Switzerland
Xasa on Wednesday flew to Lausanne to support Semenya ahead of Friday’s proceedings.
The sports minister said she would convey a message of support from President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the cabinet.
“I will also have an opportunity to listen to the deliberations of both parties, ASA (Athletics South Africa) and IAAF, which are based on scientific research and human rights principles, give support to our team of experts and witnesses currently in support and representing ASA and Caster Semenya.”
R25m refuted
Semenya’s legal team refuted claims that she received R25m in funding from the sports ministry.
This followed the announcement by Xasa.
In a statement released by Semenya’s legal representatives, they said funding for Semenya came mainly from private donors.
Sports ministry spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga clarified this, saying the R25m was an estimate for the whole process, including traveling costs.