South Africas Semenya makes Olympics debut 3 years after gender firestorm coacervation

South African runner Caster Semenya took second place in her Olympic debut Wednesday, three years after a gender controversy sidelined her career and overshadowed her victory in the world championships.

She qualified by finishing behind USA's Alysia Johnson Montano in the 800-meter heats.

Semenya, 21, was the subject of a gender test by the International Association of Athletics Federations following her 2009 victory in Berlin at the world championships. She has since been cleared to compete.



https://cde.instructure.com/eportfolios/302304/Home/DownloadMp3_The_Mae_Trio__Housewarming_Album_Download
https://cde.instructure.com/eportfolios/302303/Home/Download_Zip__Mp3_Dinotrux__Folge_12_Der_Vulkan__De_Full_Album_Download
https://cde.instructure.com/eportfolios/302298/Home/DOWNLOAD_ALBUM_Bone_Church__Acid_Communion_Zip_Mp3


The controversial tests followed her explosion into the international scene when she won the world title at age 18.

She crushed her rivals by streaking away to secure victory in a record 1:55.45 -- a time especially highlighted by her sudden rise from obscurity.

Her masculine build, chiseled abs and deep voice fueled rumors about her gender, sparking an international outcry. Outraged South Africans rushed to her defense and accused the world of invading her privacy.

Read more: Indian athlete under pressure to prove her gender

The organization's handling of her case also sparked widespread criticism over accusations that it was unclear what standards the world body was using to determine her gender.

'The questioning of her gender is based on stereotypical view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women. Such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world's sporting community,' South Africa's minister of women, Noluthando Sibiya, said at the time.

Officials for track and field's world governing body sidelined her for nearly a year before she was cleared to run against women in 2010 after undergoing gender and drug tests.

While the governing body said it had cleared her to run as a woman, it declined to provide medical details on the case, citing confidentiality.

Expert: Gender testing 'imperfect' for female athletes

'I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me,' Semenya said after her clearance. 'Running is everything to me. When I am running, I am happy.'

In addition to the gender scandal, she has suffered a series of setbacks, including withdrawing from the 2010 Commonwealth Games because of a back injury. She finished second in the 800 meters at the worlds in South Korea last year.

But all the firestorm was in the past as Semenya -- who is coached by 2000 Sydney Olympics 800m champion Maria Mutola --carried the South African flag in the opening ceremony in London.

The powerhouse runner flashed a bright smile as she entered the grandest athletic stage of all.

Opinion: Transsexual athletes treated unfairly

But all the firestorm was in the past as Semenya -- who is coached by 2000 Sydney Olympics 800m champion Maria Mutola --carried the South African flag in the opening ceremony in London. In addition to the gender scandal, she has suffered a series of setbacks, including withdrawing from the 2010 Commonwealth Games because of a back injury. She finished second in the 800 meters at the worlds in South Korea last year. Officials for track and field's world governing body sidelined her for nearly a year before she was cleared to run against women in 2010 after undergoing gender and drug tests. Her masculine build, chiseled abs and deep voice fueled rumors about her gender, sparking an international outcry. Outraged South Africans rushed to her defense and accused the world of invading her privacy. Expert: Gender testing 'imperfect' for female athletes 'I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me,' Semenya said after her clearance. 'Running is everything to me. When I am running, I am happy.' 'The questioning of her gender is based on stereotypical view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women. Such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world's sporting community,' South Africa's minister of women, Noluthando Sibiya, said at the time. 'The questioning of her gender is based on stereotypical view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women. Such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world's sporting community,' South Africa's minister of women, Noluthando Sibiya, said at the time. The controversial tests followed her explosion into the international scene when she won the world title at age 18. 'I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me,' Semenya said after her clearance. 'Running is everything to me. When I am running, I am happy.' Read more: Indian athlete under pressure to prove her gender Her masculine build, chiseled abs and deep voice fueled rumors about her gender, sparking an international outcry. Outraged South Africans rushed to her defense and accused the world of invading her privacy. Semenya, 21, was the subject of a gender test by the International Association of Athletics Federations following her 2009 victory in Berlin at the world championships. She has since been cleared to compete. 'The questioning of her gender is based on stereotypical view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women. Such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world's sporting community,' South Africa's minister of women, Noluthando Sibiya, said at the time. 'The questioning of her gender is based on stereotypical view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women. Such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world's sporting community,' South Africa's minister of women, Noluthando Sibiya, said at the time.

#newsupdatenow