In August 2009, teenage South African middle distance running sensation won a gold medal in the Women's 800m at the IAAF World Championshps held in the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.
Her performance sparked a round of jealousy with her detractors claiming that she is really a man. There was no evidence for these claims, other than her somewhat masculine looks. Initial tests have shown that she does have higher levels of testosterone than normal.
This lens tells the story of Caster Semenya and the controversy surrounding her.
Caster Semenya Cleared to Run
Semenya Caster Controversy in a Nutshell
Caster Semenya Update 11th September
Gender Testing
It's a common mistake to think that it is easy to determine whether somebody is a man or a woman, male or female: it's actually very difficult. There are many factors which make up a person's gender and those factors may not be aligned. It's easy to assume that genetics is the answer and tests can quickly determine whether an individual is XY (male) or XX (female) but even that is overly simplistic and doesn't answer the question. For the low down on gender and gender testing, please refer to this special lens. ">
Should Caster Semenya's Gender Be Questioned?
Is it right to question the gender of any individual, or is that a fundamental breach of their human rights? Will tests reveal whether somebody is male or female, or is it more complex than that?
Is it right or beneficial to question Caster Semenya's gender?
No - it's a clear breach of her human rights
kathy says:
It is harm!
Yes - sport is a special case
Clearly Male says:
yes, when money, fame, medals, or other spcial recognition is at stake -- because of sexuality -- if there is a question, all avenues ought be used. Human right violation my butt.
World Championship 800m Final
(Berlin, August 2009)
Caster Semenya in the News
Twitter buzz on Caster Semenya
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I'd also be very grateful if you took the time to rate my lens. To go back to the top of my page just click home on the right. Thank you,
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pkmcr Sep 6, 2009 @ 7:19 am | delete
- Interesting lens - am watching the outcome of this although it has been poorly handled by the authorities
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aj2008
Sep 3, 2009 @ 9:21 am | delete
- This case takes me back to the 70s and 80s when gender testing was forced on some female athletes and in some cases the results caused quite a shock!
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mysticmama
Aug 31, 2009 @ 7:58 pm | delete
- Well done
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JenOfChicago
Aug 31, 2009 @ 5:55 pm | delete
- I will be watching this case to see what happens.
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by Kate-Phizackerley
Off Squidoo I am a middle-aged woman with a wide range of interests from Ancient Egypt, backgammon, cookery ... to ... Zimbabwe which I visited 20 years... more »
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