Winner of two Olympic Gold Medals ( 2012 and 2016 ) and winner of three Gold Medals at the World Athletic Championships, Caster Semenya has dominated the 800m race in the world for almost a decade. However this is not just a story of a champion, it is a story which is complex and thought provoking . It is a story with a difference.
Born Mokgadi Caster Semenya in Ga-Masehlong village near Polokwane ( erstwhile Pietersburg ) in South Africa in 1991, Caster was always a brilliant athlete and started making waves in South Africa from an early age and it was not long before her talent got showcased on the world stage . 2008 onwards Caster became a talking point not only for the lovers of sport and in particular track and field, but also for the regulators of the sport.
Her dominance and the margins of victory raised eyebrows and thus began an examination of her grit and patience and her tryst with the doubters of her talent. With pressure from the powers to be Caster was subjected to sex determination tests to ascertain her gender and thus began a series of suspensions and arbitrations in the life of Caster. However she hung on gamely and whenever allowed to participate she more often than not won and so came her Gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
With her country firmly behind her, Caster continued to fight her case. There is no doubt that Caster’s gender is uncontroversially female. She was born a female and has always lived like a female. The only difference is that her testosterone levels are higher than an average female. Does this enhanced level of hormone(more commonly referred to as an ‘intersex’ condition) give her an undisputed unfair advantage over the other female athletes is yet to be proven beyond doubt. However as per the latest rulings of the governing body of track and field Caster is required to bring down her natural testosterone levels by way of medication or surgery before she can be allowed to participate again.
These biological interventions may be risky and Caster has been complaining of Health issues . The constant examination of her sex and gender which should be a personal matter has left her both mentally and physically drained. The judgement on her appears discriminatory. Instead of applauding an athletes natural talent, hardwork and perseverance, the focus has been elsewhere. Unfortunately, Caster Semenya has been losing her battles in court offlate and has eventually appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, where her plea is still pending.
Whatever happens in court Caster Semenya is one of the greatest athletes coming from South Africa and when fit and allowed to participate without distractions she is unbeatable in the 800m race world over. Her physical condition is not her fault anyways.
It was Caster Semenya’s birthday yesterday, the 7th of January. Though her struggles continue we hope that this year brings joy to her and all her fans.
Keep holding fort Caster…you are absolutely fair.