Semenya Confident Ahead of Crucial Hearing on Testosterone Regulation, Says Lawyer

By Olusiji Balogun

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya is reportedly “poised and confident” as she prepares for a significant hearing regarding the requirement for her to reduce her testosterone levels in order to compete as a female, according to her legal team.

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, is set to convene on Wednesday to address Semenya’s case, with a final ruling expected at a later date.

In a statement released by her lawyers, Semenya expressed hope that the court’s decision would uphold the rights of all athletes and inspire acceptance of diversity among young women.

“I hope that the court’s decision will pave the way for all athletes’ human rights to be fiercely protected, for once and for all, and inspire all young women to be and accept themselves in all their diversity,” Semenya stated.

Born with differences of sexual development (DSD), a rare condition characterized by a mix of male and female hormonal, genetic, and/or reproductive traits, Semenya has faced obstacles in her athletic career. World Athletics previously barred her from competing in female track events without undergoing testosterone-reducing treatment.

Semenya has consistently argued that World Athletics’ regulations discriminate against athletes with her condition. However, World Athletics defends its regulations, asserting that they are necessary to ensure fair competition in the female category.