Semenya defies IAAF by announcing return to track

 

WORLD 800m champion Caster Semenya is defying world governing body, the IAAF, by announcing she will return to competitive action in June.

ONGOING CONTROVERSY: Caster Semenya is still no closer to having her fate decided by the IAAF but is looking to return to action in June (Getty Images)

The South African has announced she will run at an EAA meeting on 24 June in Spain despite the IAAF asking Athletics South Africa to prevent the runner from competing until the results of her gender tests are revealed.

With the results expected back in November, Semenya has lost patience with the bureaucratic process and even considered taking legal action against her home federation after they did not allow her to run at a meet in South Africa last week.

But the IAAF have indicated their case will be concluded by June and Semenya is itching to get back on to the track after not competing since topping the podium at last summer's Berlin World Championships.

"Together with my coach and agent, I have therefore decided that I will return to competitive athletics at the EAA meeting to be held on 24 June in Zaragoza," she said.

"I reiterate that, based on medical and legal advice, I am firmly of the view there are no impediments to me racing in female athletics competitions.

"I believe the decision to bar me from competing in Stellenbosch last week was unlawful and wrongful.

"I have, however, considered the request by Athletics South Africa that I await the conclusion of the International Association of Athletics Federations' processes by the beginning of June this year before I return to competitive athletics.

"I welcome ASA's public statement. It will ensure the IAAF is held to its undertaking to complete its processes by the beginning of June.

"I have also instructed my legal representatives to seek confirmation by the IAAF that it will complete its processes by the beginning of June."

Reports in September suggested the results would show Semenya to have intersex status, although the IAAF refused to corroborate those reports, but they did confirm that she would be able to keep her world medal, whatever the outcome.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee have since suspended ASA president Leonard Chuene, the ASA board and its members pending a disciplinary investigation over the controversy, with Ray Mali stepping into the breach as acting head.