A top European court slammed Swiss judges for giving Olympic champion Caster Semenya an unfair trial. The 34-year-old South African runner won double Olympic gold but cannot compete in her favorite 800-meter race anymore. World Athletics banned her from racing unless she takes hormone-reducing drugs because of her high testosterone levels. Semenya refused the medication and has been fighting the decision in courts for years. She was born with male chromosomes but has always been legally recognized as female.
The European Court of Human Rights found that Swiss courts failed to properly review her case. Judges ruled that Semenya deserved better protection of her personal rights during the legal battle. Switzerland must pay her 80,000 euros for her legal expenses after the court victory. The ruling comes after major controversy at the Paris Olympics about gender testing in boxing. Semenya told reporters she felt positive about the decision and will keep fighting for athlete rights.
The runner has a rare condition called differences in sexual development that affects about one in every few thousand births. She produces much higher testosterone levels than most women because of her XY chromosomes. Sports officials argue this gives her an unfair advantage over female competitors. Critics say the rules are invasive and not based on solid science. Semenya vowed to continue her legal fight until athletes get dignity and respect.
The European Court of Human Rights found that Swiss courts failed to properly review her case. Judges ruled that Semenya deserved better protection of her personal rights during the legal battle. Switzerland must pay her 80,000 euros for her legal expenses after the court victory. The ruling comes after major controversy at the Paris Olympics about gender testing in boxing. Semenya told reporters she felt positive about the decision and will keep fighting for athlete rights.
The runner has a rare condition called differences in sexual development that affects about one in every few thousand births. She produces much higher testosterone levels than most women because of her XY chromosomes. Sports officials argue this gives her an unfair advantage over female competitors. Critics say the rules are invasive and not based on solid science. Semenya vowed to continue her legal fight until athletes get dignity and respect.
