Caster Semenya Loses Appeal against IAAF Hormones Rules

South African Olympic runner Caster Semenya lost her appeal against rules made to reduce the naturally high testosterone levels among some female runners. With a vote of 2 to 1, the highest court in the sports world said the proposed rules from the International Association of Athletics Federations are unfair.

However, the court added the discrimination was needed to preserve the integrity of female athletes. Track’s governing body told the best pay per head bookie that high levels of testosterone in female athletes don’t conform to the standard definitions of gender. Also, it gives athletes like Semenya an unfair advantage over normal females.

Semenya said the ruling will not stop her from competing. However, some critics are questioning her previous accomplishments due to the latest ruling. The Olympic runner said the proposed IAAF rules targeted her because they tried to slow her down. However, it will only make her stronger.

Life Goes On for Caster Semenya

Semenya is going to Doha for the Diamond League track event. She will compete in the 800 meters on Friday. The Diamond League is a yearly series of events for top track athletes in the world. In fact, the event will be the last one before the new IAAF takes effect according to a bookie pay per head demo.

Testosterone is a hormone related to the male gender. It strengthens bone mass and muscle tone. As a result, it is illegal to swallow or inject testosterone supplements. However, there are some women who have naturally high levels of the hormone.

The IAAF requires women to reduce their testosterone level to below 5 nanomoles per liter of blood. The normal levels of the hormones among female athletes aare around 0.12 to 1.79 nanomoles per liter. Men have levels ranging between 7.7 and 29.4.

Semenya’s level was never disclosed due to privacy issues. The South African Sports Confederation condemned the rules because it will cause distress among targeted athletes.