Caster Semenya, the South African 800m world champion at the centre of the gender test row, was the subject of a meeting of her sport's national governing body yesterday as officials tried to decide what steps to take next. Leonard Chuene, the president of Athletics South Africa (ASA), has withdrawn from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) board in protest at alleged leaks surrounding the case of the 18-year-old athlete.
Further anger over the handling of the case was sparked in South Africa after the Australian media reported that tests ordered by the IAAF on the day Semenya broke the world record produced evidence of both male and female characteristics - something the IAAF has refused to confirm or deny. Suspicions were raised when Semenya improved beyond all recognition to claim gold at the world championship in Berlin in a record 1mins 55.45secs on August 19. Chuene, who said Semenya's situation and the handling of it by the IAAF would dominate discussions at today's ASA meeting, said he stood down from the international board because he did not see headway being made in the case.
"We don't fight them. We just want to deal with the matter," he said. "You can't sit there, denying and fighting." Semenya's treatment at the hands of international media has seen many in her country leap to her defence, including South Africa's President Jacob Juma who accused media of exploiting the teenager. Friends and family have also spoken in defence of the athlete. "Caster is a woman. I don't like having to hear people from outside saying otherwise," said 18-year-old school friend, Mapula Phano. The IAAF will make a decision on whether Semenya can continue to compete in women's events in November.
* With agencies