Caster Semenya questions IOC gene-screening rules

Fresh from completing the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge in Cape Town, Semenya did not mince her words, labelling the IOC’s proposed gene-screening regulations as deeply to female athletes. 

She also co-signed a strongly worded letter from an African collective condemning what they describe as the continued marginalisation of women in sport.

Semenya argued that no institution has the authority to question how a woman is born, insisting that natural biology should never be subjected to bureaucratic approval.

"I think when it comes to leadership you have to understand that it's a need for women to be taken into consideration. Looking into history we all know back then you know, in the early 90s, such kind of revelations came in and it came as a failure that's why it has dropped,” Semenya said. 

“For me personally I'd say the voice is not heard because you need it as a tick in the box so you can go clarify or say yes. For her as a leader, she's an African, I'm sure she understands where we as Africans are coming from as a global south and we cannot control genetics. 

“For me personally, for her being a woman coming from Africa knowing how African women or women in the global south are affected by that, of course it causes harm bodily I'd say. 

“For her, obviously if you say it's the science because we talk about science here, if the science is clear, show us who decided. Don't use that as a lie because it's a lie and we know because we've seen it. 

“So, if you want to answer or confirm, that's how we are going to respond and we'll respond strong as we are because it affects women and I'm 110% even the male counterparts that are here, if you are going to respond to a women's dignity don't question how they are. Accept them for who they are, accept them to take part in sports."

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She warned that governing bodies risk destroying the very spirit of sport if they continue down a path of exclusion and control.

"If you are an organisation like the IOC talking about diversity, act like one. Don't act like we're here for policies seeking for power, this is not for power, this is for you to be a leader. So, obviously we are expecting them to act in that manner,” Semenya added.