South Africa: ANC congratulates Caster Semenya and condemn questioning of gender

August 22nd, 2009

 

 

Johannesburg (South Africa) - The ANC on Thursday congratulated SA sprinter Caster Semenya on her win and criticised a global sports body for questioning her gender. The father of South Africa’s new middle distance sensation Caster Semenya has made a passionate plea to the world to leave his daughter alone.

"Not only has 18-year-old Caster made her family proud but [given] the entire country a boost for athletics. Her determination to succeed in becoming a world-renowned athlete has made Caster a role model for young athletes," the ANC said in a statement.

Semenya is, however, under scrutiny after her masculine facial features and running style called some to question her gender. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has requested South Africa conduct a gender test.

"We condemn the motives of those who have made it their business to question her gender due to her physique and running style. Such comments can only serve to portray women as being weak," said the ANC.

The IAAF "should know better", it said.

The ANC Youth League has also joined in the congratulations and criticism.

"The ANCYL condemns with contempt those who are questioning her gender. Caster is one of South Africa’s diligent female athletes, and the most competitive in her generation of athletes," the organisation said in a statement. - Sapa

Caster's father, Jacob Semenya, said yesterday that any controversy caused by unfounded claims against his daughter at “this stage of the World Athletics Championships” could affect her adversely.

“She is my little girl. I raised her and I have never doubted her gender. She is a woman and I can repeat that a million times.”

Semenya said he had been following events at the championships in Germany and was proud of his daughter’s achievements.

“I have no doubt she is going to make us all proud. For the first time South Africans have someone to be proud of and detractors are already shouting wolf. It is unfair.”

“I wish they would leave my daughter alone,” Semenya said.

Athletics SA (ASA) has denied media reports that Caster was in danger of not competing in the final of the women’s 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

According to an Australian website, the International Association of Athletics Federations had “conducted physical tests and genital screening to try to determine the legitimacy of Semenya’s sex”.

A meeting between officials would determine whether she would compete in the final in Germany, where she lines up as one of the favourites for the gold medal, the report added.

But a member of the ASA delegation said they did not know what tests had been done on the 18-year-old – although tests were done – and the results would not be made available to them for at least another few weeks.

Reports yesterday indicated the Australian athletes, after having been shown a clear pair of shoes by Semenya during the semifinals of the 800 metres, decided to challenge her gender.

 

source.The Sowetan (South Africa)