World Athletics Announces New Rules Affecting Caster Semenya and Transgender Women

1 min read

World Athletics has published a new set of rules for athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) and transgender women that will come into effect from March 31, 2023. These rules will significantly affect South African athlete Caster Semenya, who has been fighting for the right to compete in women’s events without lowering her natural testosterone levels.

DSD Regulations for Female Athletes

Under the new DSD rules, athletes who want to compete internationally in any female event must keep their testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least 24 months. This rule applies to all events, not just the ones that used to be banned. In addition, under the interim laws, athletes already competing must stop competing for six months until their levels drop to 2.5nmol/L.

World Athletics President Lord Coe stated, “In terms of DSD regulations, World Athletics has more than ten years of research and evidence of the physical advantages these athletes bring to the female category.”

Transgender Women Excluded from Female Category

Transgender women who have undergone male puberty will be banned from competing in international female world-ranking events. Lord Coe confirmed that this step has been taken to “protect the female category.” He added that the decision is based on scientific research and evidence of the physical advantage that such athletes have over their female counterparts.

World Athletics will further research transgender eligibility guidelines and form a working group to review its position within the next 12 months. But, Lord Coe stressed, “We’re not saying no forever.”

Russian Federation Reinstated

The World Athletics Council has agreed to reinstate the Russian Federation (RusAF) following its seven-year suspension for institutional doping violations. However, athletes, officials, and support personnel from Russia and Belarus will remain excluded from the competition due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Upholding Fairness for Female Athletes

Lord Coe acknowledged that decisions involving conflicting needs and rights between different groups are always challenging. However, he emphasized that maintaining fairness for female athletes is paramount: “The integrity of the female category in athletics is paramount.”

While the new rules will undoubtedly create controversy, World Athletics is committed to upholding fairness for all athletes and ensuring that the integrity of the sport is maintained.

Journalist and Cultural Enthusiast. Oliver is an inquisitive, open-minded, and culturally curious journalist who has a deep appreciation for Cape Town's diverse arts and entertainment scene. As a local, he has an extensive network of contacts within the city's cultural institutions, allowing him to stay abreast of the latest events and happenings.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Criminal Foiled by Canal Walk Security Staff

Next Story

#BelgiumInSA – King and Queen of Belgium visit South Africa

Latest from Blog

Empowering Migrant Children in South Africa through the ChommY Initiative

South Africa is home to the largest population of child migrants on the continent, with an estimated 642,000 migrant children residing within its borders. The Department of Social Development, in partnership with USAID, seeks to address the challenges faced by this vulnerable population through the ChommY program.

Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget: Promoting Growth and Progress

Cape Town is currently undergoing an exciting transformation in its urban mobility landscape, with the Urban Mobility Budget serving as a driving force for a more connected and thriving metropolis. Spearheaded by the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget has been tabled for 2023/2024 to 2025/2026. This budget aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure by focusing on essential elements such as maintenance, congestion relief, public transport, and smart mobility.

Accelerating Sanitation Delivery in the Western Cape: The Role of the Provincial Sanitation Task Team

The Western Cape Provincial Sanitation Task Team (PSTT) is a Department of Water and Sanitationled initiative that aims to provide adequate and equitable sanitation to the citizens of the Western Cape. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PSTT’s role in accelerating sanitation delivery in the region, including its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 target and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision.