Caster Semenya last night insisted she would not quit athletics - nor move up a distance to avoid having to take performance-reducing drugs.
The South African won her 30th consecutive race over 800 metres in 1:54:98, crossing the line in Doha emotionless and nearly three seconds clear of her nearest rival.
Having lost her appeal against IAAF rules designed to limit testosterone levels in female runners, it was Semenya’s last opportunity to race naturally at her specialist distance.
"Actions speak louder than words," she said defiantly after vying with Dina Asher-Smith’s stunning 200m triumph in 22:26secs for performance of the evening. "I am never going anywhere, I will always be here.
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"I understand there’s been a lot of controversy but that does not control anything. It’s up to God. God has decided my career and he will end my career so no human can stop me from running.”
When asked if she would take medication to permit her to return to Doha to defend her world 800m title, she replied: "Hell no.”
Her response suggested a switch to 5,000m, which is not affected by the controversial IAAF regulation. A week ago she became South African champion over that distance.
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But she ruled that out, as her sponsors Nike posted a picture of her on social media with the message ‘Never slow down for the world. One day it will catch up with you’.
Britain’s Lynsey Sharp finished ninth behind Semenya and revealed she had received hate mail for speaking out about her rival’s dominance.
"I’ve had death threats,” said the Scot. “I’ve had threats against my family and that’s not a position I want to be in, it’s really unfortunate the way it’s played out.”
