This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
On 8 May 2019, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) implemented a new rule that restricts female runners with differences of sexual development (DSD) from competing in track events from 400m to the mile without taking testosterone-reducing medication.
Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya, who has 46 XY DSD genetic make-up, has been at the center of the controversy. She had twice appealed against the new IAAF rule, but a Swiss court has now lifted a suspension on the ruling.
According to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, Semenya's appeal does not appear to be well-founded, and there would not be fair competition if women with 46 XY DSD genetic make-up were allowed to compete without medication.
Semenya, 28, has expressed her disappointment at being kept from defending her hard-earned title, but she remains committed to her fight for the human rights of all female athletes concerned.
The IAAF has welcomed the decision, stating that it brings parity and clarity to the championships in Doha, which begin on 28 September.
