Doctors and athletes are debating new restrictions on South African runner Caster Semenya's testosterone levels
South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, who has two Olympic gold medals in the 800-meter competition, received news on Wednesday that could severely alter the course of her illustrious career — and it's already stirred quite a debate in the sports world.
Semenya had appealed a new rule instituted by the International Association of Athletics Federation which would force female runners like Semenya, who have naturally elevated levels of testosterone, to take testosterone blockers to compete in races from 400 meters to a mile. But the Court of Arbitration for Sport denied the appeal, which means the 28-year-old Semenya will either have to take the medication or stop competing altogether. Either way, the ruling is surely a blow to one of the sport's most gifted athletes just one year before the next Olympics.
Some observers, including famed American sprinter Michael Johnson, said that while it was no fault of Semenya's, the court's ruling was the only way to ensure fair competition.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Semenya has plenty of supporters, however, especially in her home country of South Africa. Several analysts have also pointed out that biology creates advantages for athletes in nearly every sport. USA Today's Nancy Armour, for example, asks what the reaction would be if legendary U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps was banned from competing because of his preternaturally long wingspan.
Others say the IAAF's decision could have other consequences beyond athletic records: One doctor says it could ultimately be a choice between competing and caring for her mental health. Tim O'Donnell
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 8, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - social media guilt, gag orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Boy Scouts changes name to Scouting America
Speed Read The organization is rebranding, citing inclusivity
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US pauses Israel bomb shipment amid Rafah rift
Speed Read The Biden administration has concerns about Israel launching a full-scale assault on Rafah
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mexico's next president will almost certainly be its 1st female president
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
North Korea's Kim to visit Putin in eastern Russia to discuss arms sales for Ukraine war, U.S. says
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published