The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is set to deliver its verdict TODAY on whether South African double Olympic champion Caster Semenya can be compelled to lower her testosterone levels to compete in women’s athletics, a case that could reshape gender testing rules in sport.
Semenya, now 34, a two-time Olympic 800m gold medallist and multiple world champion, has long been at the centre of a fierce debate over the participation of athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD).
Born with XY chromosomes, but legally recognised as female, Semenya has refused to take medication to reduce her naturally high testosterone levels since World Athletics introduced its controversial 2018 regulations.
The ruling comes amid heightened scrutiny of gender eligibility in sports following disputes like that surrounding Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Elevated testosterone
Semenya’s case has passed through several courts.
The Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld World Athletics’ regulations in 2019, a decision later affirmed by the Swiss Federal Court.
These rulings argued that elevated testosterone confers an “insurmountable advantage” to female athletes with DSD.
In 2023, the ECHR acknowledged Semenya had faced discrimination, but stopped short of overturning the sporting regulations or allowing her to compete without hormone treatment.
Switzerland and World Athletics have appealed to the court’s 17-member Grand Chamber, which will now issue a final judgment.
Supporters of the regulations cite fairness and the need to protect women’s sport, while opponents argue the rules are discriminatory, invasive, and scientifically questionable.
Degrading
Human Rights Watch has criticised the policies as degrading and violating privacy, and sociologists highlight a lack of conclusive evidence that high testosterone guarantees superior performance.
The International Olympic Committee and multiple sports governing bodies are also grappling with how to implement gender verification, with some adopting chromosomal or genetic testing and others weighing reintroduction of gender testing protocols.
Semenya herself hopes the court’s decision will affirm athletes’ human rights and encourage acceptance of diversity in sport.
As this landmark case unfolds, its outcome may influence how the sporting world navigates the complex intersection of biology, gender identity, and fair competition for years to come.
Should Caster Semenya be allowed to run without taking medication?
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