Gender Bender- Caster Semenya

Hello,

South African Caster Semenya powered to a 1minute 55.45seconds win -- the world's best this year -- shortly after the athletics governing body announced her gender was to be verified.

The South African's physique and powerful style have sparked speculation in recent months that she may not be entirely female. Semenya has come form nowhere this year to stamp herself upon the sport. She grabbed attention with a time of 1:56.72 last month, the quickest time in the world this year.

Similar allegations have dogged a series of athletes throughout the years, including Maria Mutola, the Mozambican 800m legend who won Olympic gold in Sydney and also triumphed at three World Championships. Another memorable case of gender confusion is Stella Walsh, the Polish sprinter who won a silver medal at the 1936 Olympics in the very same stadium . Walsh was a commanding figure who also won Olympic gold in Los Angeles in 1932 but when doctors examined her after her death in 1988 it was revealed that she had "ambiguous genitalia'' and was more male than female.

Days after her 1:56 time, it was widely reported/speculated that Semenya was born a hermaphrodite (having both male and female reproductive organs), and that she was cleared by testing done by Athletics South Africa (ASA). Both reports are unconfirmed and South Africans have now come out in large numbers in support of their sports star.

At present we don't know whether Semenya is "entirely female" (to quote from reports on the IAAF ruling).

We must wait before delivering judgment, because it's unfair on her to condemn her based on rumor. Meanwhile Caster Semenya is in a dreadful situation, and the medals may change if the test proves it conclusively that she is not completely 'female'. Time will tell.

But please, let's wait before "reaching a verdict"

Best wishes to Caster,

Manoj