South Africa athletics chief apologies for denying knowledge of Semenya tests

ATHLETICS South Africa president Leonard Chuene has apologised for denying knowledge of gender tests conducted on Caster Semenya prior to the World Championships.

GOLDEN GIRL: Caster Semenya had her right to privacy violated, says South Africa athletics chief Leonard Chuene

Chuene accepted his initial denial was an error of judgement but admitted he did so in order to protect the 18-year-old's privacy.

Semenya took the world of athletics by storm in Berlin last month, storming to 800m gold before the IAAF revealed they would be conducting gender tests on the athlete.

"I can no longer stand before you and say that I am not aware of gender tests conducted on Caster Semenya," said Chuene. "I felt that at the time I was acting in the best interests of Caster Semenya as a person. I believed at the time my consistent denials would help protect her.

"I was not going to stop her talent because of rumours. On what basis should I have withdrawn her? My only crime committed was to take a decision that she must run, and she won. Tell me someone who has not lied to protect a child."

Chuene also accused the IAAF of contravening Semenya's rights to privacy.

"At no stage did the IAAF come to us procedurally in the manner that they must come to us, and say ‘we will need you to withdraw the child because of that'.

"The IAAF publicly revealed her name. The IAAF betrayed her. The IAAF has a lot to answer for."