Caster Semenya

I have been following updates on the Caster Semenya case for some time. Semenya is a woman, as verified by tests she was subjected to after winning her first world title. However, she was born with an XY chromosome, which men typically have. This gives her elevated levels of testosterone, which helps to promote muscle growth and blood oxygenation.

“Semenya has a condition called androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Essentially, while her chromosomes are typical of a male, when she developed in the womb her cells did not respond to the signal to develop male genitalia, etc. She was born as a woman, but with unusually high levels of testosterone. For those with conditions like Semenya’s, their levels of testosterone can be 15 times higher than for most women.” Source

Back in May, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ruled that Semenya could only compete internationally if she took medication to suppress her hormones, or had surgery.

The Swiss Supreme Court ordered these rules to be overturned and their ruling stands while the IAAF appeals the decision. The appeal could take up to a year so it looks like Semenya is good to race this year.

You don’t have to look far to find people criticizing Semenya and/or the Swiss decision. I just wanted to make this post to criticize the weakest arguments.

1. If Semenya can race then other women should be able to take drugs to get more testosterone. It’s a slippery slope etc…

How do people not understand that Semenya has no control over the testosterone levels in her body?

Semenya does not take any medications, injections etc. She cannot be blamed for her body producing more testosterone. If we use the logic that “athletes with natural advantages should be banned” then Michael Phelps should have been banned since his arms are so long and because his body produces less than half the lactic acid of his competitors. Where is the outrage over Phelps?

The underlying anger and bitterness directed towards Semenya is likely due to the fact that people cannot accept that she is biologically a woman. Many detractors try to paint her as trans, instead of a woman born with a male chromosome. In their mind letting Semenya race is no different than Usain Bolt declaring himself a woman and competing in the women’s events.

Semenya is not trans. If her physical advantages are not allowed, then which other ones should we restrict? Genetics will always play a role in advantages that athletes have over one another. Jon Jones has an ungodly reach and lanky frame that makes him dangerous as a UFC fighter, Bolt has his long strides, Phelps produces less lactic acid etc.

Should all of these natural advantages be put under the microscope as well?