RACER X
08-19-2009, 11:59 AM
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25950768-11088,00.html
Doubts over South African sprinter Caster Semenya's sex
UPDATE 5:56pm IS SHE a he? That is the question being asked at the world championships about South Africa's Caster Semenya.
The 18-year-old 800m gold medal favourite has burst on to the world scene in recent months, with her appearance, including obvious facial hair, and muscular build igniting speculation about her gender.
Semenya is scheduled to race in the 800m women's final tonight Berlin time, about 5.35am Melbourne time.
Reports out of Germany suggest Semenya is likely to run.
The IAAF is aware of the issue and has conducted physical tests and genetic screening to try to determine the legitimacy of Semenya's sex.
An overnight meeting of officials in Berlin was expected to determine whether she takes her place in tomorrow morning's 800m final. Those results are yet to be released.
Semenya announced her arrival at last month's African junior titles, running 1min 56.72sec, which was more than seven seconds faster than her best the previous year.
Semenya, who hails from a remote part of the Limpopo province, clocked 1:58.66 to win her semi-finals yesterday, relegating Kenyan world champion Janeth Jepkosgei to third.
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6853370,00.jpg
Doubts over South African sprinter Caster Semenya's sex
UPDATE 5:56pm IS SHE a he? That is the question being asked at the world championships about South Africa's Caster Semenya.
The 18-year-old 800m gold medal favourite has burst on to the world scene in recent months, with her appearance, including obvious facial hair, and muscular build igniting speculation about her gender.
Semenya is scheduled to race in the 800m women's final tonight Berlin time, about 5.35am Melbourne time.
Reports out of Germany suggest Semenya is likely to run.
The IAAF is aware of the issue and has conducted physical tests and genetic screening to try to determine the legitimacy of Semenya's sex.
An overnight meeting of officials in Berlin was expected to determine whether she takes her place in tomorrow morning's 800m final. Those results are yet to be released.
Semenya announced her arrival at last month's African junior titles, running 1min 56.72sec, which was more than seven seconds faster than her best the previous year.
Semenya, who hails from a remote part of the Limpopo province, clocked 1:58.66 to win her semi-finals yesterday, relegating Kenyan world champion Janeth Jepkosgei to third.
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6853370,00.jpg