Caster Semenya is to challenge the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) after it ruled in favour of the IAAF’s decision to limit unusually high testosterone levels in female athletes.
Semenya has filed an appeal to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, where she will ask if requirements for compulsory drug interventions “violate essential and widely recognized public policy values, including the prohibition against discrimination...[and] respect for human dignity”
Upon making her appeal, the South African said: “I am a woman and I am a world-class athlete. The IAAF will no drug me or stop me from being who I am.”
The IAAF’s rules, which have sparked controversy, came into effect at the beginning of the month after the 28-year-old's appeal to Cas was rejected.
Under the regulations, Semenya – and other athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) – must take hormone suppressants in order to compete in track events from 400m to the mile, or change to another distance.
Following Cas’ ruling, Semenya struck a defiant tone, claiming “no human can stop me from running”.
In the wake of her 800m victory at the Diamond League in Doha, she said: “Actions speak louder than words. When you are a great champion, you always deliver.
“It’s up to God, God has decided my life, God will end my life, God has decided my career, God will end my career. No man, or any other human, can stop me from running.”
She added: “How am I going to retire when I’m 28? I still feel young, energetic. I still have 10 years or more in athletics.
“It doesn’t matter how I’m going to do it, what matters is I’ll still be here.”
When asked if she would take medication to allow her to run in the 800m, she replied: “Hell no.”
