Caster’s Cool Response to IAAF Ruling to Decrease Testosterone Levels
The IAAF is expected to introduce new rules tomorrow, Thursday 26 April 2018, which could force South African athlete Caster Semenya to take a pill a day to reduce her natural testosterone levels… or compete in longer distances. The controversial rule change, for athletes with hyperandrogenism, could have a significant impact on the double Olympic […]
The IAAF is expected to introduce new rules tomorrow, Thursday 26 April 2018, which could force South African athlete Caster Semenya to take a pill a day to reduce her natural testosterone levels… or compete in longer distances.
The controversial rule change, for athletes with hyperandrogenism, could have a significant impact on the double Olympic champion, who recently won Gold in the 800m and 1,500m at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.
If she refused to take medication to lessen her testosterone (a daily tablet), she would have to quit racing in distances up to a mile… and rather compete in longer distance events – 5,000m and 10,000m races – in the future.
Many South Africans have already taken to Twitter to complain that the ruling is targeted at Caster, and that it is discriminatory… with some accusing the IAAF of being racist.
Ulrich Janse van Vuuren said: “It’s appalling… This is yet another way of oppressing women, especially strong African women who are outperforming the rest.”
Caster’s own reaction… on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, was: “How beautiful it is to stay silent when someone expects you to be enraged.”
And earlier today, she posted an image with the words: “Your attitude is like a price tag, it shows how valuable you are.”
The new rule – to limit naturally produced testosterone for female competitors – will apply to those competing in the 400m to 1 mile distances.
A similar rule affected 27-year-old Caster in 2011. It was suspended in 2015.
A proposal for the new rule was approved last month. At the time IAAF President Lord Coe said: “I want to make one point crystal clear, this is not about cheating, no athletes have cheated. This is about our responsibility to ensure, in simple terms, a level playing field.”
The new limits are expected to be implemented by November this year.
During Caster’s stint at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, she seemed to indicate she would consider changing to the longer distances.
— Caster Semenya (@MightyCaster) April 25, 2018
It's appalling that IAAF reportedly wants to force Caster Semenya to either take drugs to lower her testosterone levels or compete in longer distances. This is yet another way of oppressing women, especially strong African women who are outperforming the rest. pic.twitter.com/eW12PXlOAj
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) April 25, 2018
We cannot overlook that Caster Semenya is the specific target here. I’ll file this under racism, as well as sexist ideas of how a woman can look. The message? Female athletes: you can be strong but not too strong.
— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) April 22, 2018
— Caster Semenya (@MightyCaster) April 25, 2018
Pencil sketch I did of
Caster Semenya @caster800m #Art#Drawing pic.twitter.com/uYr0csZXDo— Heath Hlatshwayo (@HeathHlatshwayo) April 10, 2018