In August 2009 the IAFF World Track & Field Championship was held in Berlin, Germany. Among the hundreds of athletes, one stood out among the crowd. Eighteen year old Caster Semenya from South Africa blew away the competition in the 800 meter dash. With the time of 1:55.45, this set the fastest time of the year. With this victory, many questions sparked about her gender. With her stunning times, mascular build and deep voice, she was required to take a gender test.
After many doctor evaluations including: gynecologists, endocrinologists, psychologist and internal medicine specialists it was determined that Semenya is intersex. Her body contained both male and female characteristics, specifically lacking a uterus and ovaries. She was also producing three times the amount of testosterone than an average woman would produce and also contained internal male testes.
Many negative reactions were brought up in the sports world about these tests performed on Caster. Many leaders from South Africa have lashed out about the controversy saying that it was racist and took away her human rights and privacy.
The following month Caster’s coach officially resigned stating, “We did not advise Ms Semenya properly.” He admitted about lying to her about the reasons behind all the tests that were being performed. He also admitted to ignoring the team doctor when he advised pulling her our of the world championship to keep her medical records confidential. He took fault in failing to protect her privacy.
--Morgan and Lexi
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