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World Athletics President Sebastian Coe plans to have the world governing body continue with its testosterone-limiting regulations for intersex athletes who choose to compete against women.
After the World Athletics annual two-day Council, he referred to the regulations as “mature.”
“I read the framework document, it’s very much in alignment with everything that we believe very strongly in, which is the principle of fair play, open competition.”
He was addressing the International Olympic Committee’s statement that they will be leaving testosterone-limiting rules up to the individual sports.
“The fundamental principle here is about fairness and inclusion and the regulations themselves were upheld by the Court of Arbitration (for Sport).”
Which said they were “seen as necessary, reasonable and proportionate and that appeal was dealt with by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.”
Court of Arbitration for Sport suspens rule
On November 17, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that South African intersex athlete Caster Semenya is currently permitted to compete over any distance. The ban was lifted until the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland deliberates on her human rights complaint.
However, The CAS did rule that World Athletics could implement a regulation that would require Semenya to take medication to lower her testosterone levels. The T-level suppressor would allow her to compete against women in track events ranging from 400 metres to the mile. Her specialty is the 800m distance event.
As it turns out she remains defiant and that is the impetus behind the appeal.
Semenya Tweeted: “This fight is not just about me. It’s about taking a stand and fighting for dignity, equality and the human rights of women in sport. All we ask is to be able to run free as the strong and fearless women we are!! Thank you to all of those who have stood behind me.”
Meanwhile, many within the sport believe that the Swiss Tribunal is the final opportunity for Semenya. It’s the last stop for her and other intersex athletes to overturn the World Athletics testosterone-reducing regulation. Currently, it appears that World Athletics is free to manage the fair play credo as it pertains to its sport.
