Challenges Faced by Caster Semenya: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Caster Semenya's life and career.

Caster Semenya is a South African middle-distance runner celebrated for her achievements in the 800 metres, including two Olympic gold medals and three World Championships. Her victories include gold at the 2009 World Championships, the 2016 Olympics, and the 2017 World Championships, where she also won a bronze in the 1500 metres. She was later awarded gold medals for the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics following the disqualification of Mariya Savinova.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2009: Sex Testing Controversy

Following Caster Semenya's victory at the 2009 World Championships, she was made to undergo sex testing, sparking controversy in the sporting world and in her home country of South Africa.

2009: Controversy Surrounding Sex Testing

In 2009, news broke that the IAAF requested sex testing for Caster Semenya before the World Championships 800 m final, leading to negative reactions and accusations of racism and imperialism.

March 2010: Denied Opportunity to Compete

In March 2010, Caster Semenya was denied the opportunity to compete in the Yellow Pages Series V Track and Field event in Stellenbosch, South Africa, due to the IAAF's pending findings from her sex test.

October 2010: Forced to skip Commonwealth Games due to injury

In October 2010, Caster Semenya was forced to skip the Commonwealth Games due to an injury.

2010: Testosterone-Suppressing Medication Intake

Caster Semenya claimed that testosterone-suppressing medication, which she had taken from 2010 to 2015, had made her feel "constantly sick" and caused her abdominal pain, and that the IAAF had used her as a "guinea pig" to test the medication's effects.

2015: Testosterone-Suppressing Medication Intake

April 2018: IAAF Announces New Rules

In April 2018, the IAAF announced new rules effective 8 May 2019 that applied to athletes with certain disorders of sex development (DSDs) that result in androgen sensitivity and testosterone levels above 5 nmol/L.

June 2018: Announces Legal Challenge to IAAF Rules

In June 2018, Caster Semenya announced that she would legally challenge the IAAF rules, calling them "discriminatory, irrational, [and] unjustifiable".

May 2019: Effective Date of IAAF Rules

2019: New IAAF Rules and Legal Challenges

In 2019, new IAAF (World Athletics) rules came into force requiring athletes like Caster Semenya with certain disorders of sex development (DSDs) to take medication to suppress testosterone levels to participate in certain women's events. Semenya refused and filed legal cases arguing the rules are discriminatory.

2022: Competes in 5000 Meter Race at World Athletics Championships

In 2022, Caster Semenya ran in the 5000 meter race at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. It was her first major international competition since 2017. She finished almost a minute behind first place in her heat of the semifinals and did not advance to the finals.

November 2023: Semenya's case referred to the Grand Chamber of the ECtHR

In November 2023, after a request from the Swiss government, Caster Semenya's case was referred to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for a final ruling.

July 2025: Grand Chamber of the ECtHR upholds decision

On July 10, 2025, the Grand Chamber of the ECtHR upheld the 2023 decision of the Swiss Federal Tribunal, ruling that Semenya's appeal against World Athletics' regulations for athletes with differences of sexual development "had not been properly heard".