This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, South Africa's three-time world 800m champion Caster Semenya spoke candidly about her experiences in women's sports, stating that she has 'never really felt very supported' by her peers.
As the headline speaker at a women's conference in Johannesburg, Semenya shared her thoughts on the challenges she faces in her career, including the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners. She will not defend her title in Doha in September due to a setback in her challenge against this restriction.
'I'm targeted because I'm undefeated,' the 28-year-old said, highlighting the difficulties she encounters in her sport.
Speaking about her experiences, Semenya added: 'Since I have been in sport, I have never really felt very supported, I've never felt recognised mostly by women.'
She also expressed her frustration with the 'rude responses' she receives from her rivals on the international stage, saying: 'I think it comes more into the international stage when you see your own rivals come with this, what can I call it, these rude responses in terms of me competing against them.'
