It is a symbolic victory. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favor of the South African athlete Caster Semenya, two-time Olympic champion in the 800 meters, suffering from hyperandrogenism. Since 2019, she has been engaged in a showdown with the International Athletics Federation over its discriminatory rules against female athletes who naturally produce excess testosterone.
A revolting double standard
Indeed, the federation believes it the natural production of testosterone in these athletes is equivalent to the use of a performance-enhancing product and would therefore improperly enhance their performance. Accused of cheating, they are forced to undergo hormone treatments to lower their testosterone levels, on pain of exclusion from the competition.
Yet the extraordinary athletic performances of their male peers, such as swimmer Michael Phelps, whose body naturally produces less lactic acid, allowing him to swim more without feeling fatigued, are hailed and applauded. How to explain such a discrepancy?
By refusing to abide by these degrading rules, Caster Semenya was therefore deprived of the right to compete in her favorite distance of 800m.
A legal brawl
In 2020, the Swiss justice confirmed the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which validated the federation’s regulations, on behalf of “Sporting loyalty “. The athlete then turned to the European Court of Human Rights, hoping to assert a violation of his rights.
A legal battle that ended up bearing fruit, since this Tuesday July 11, the European Court of Human Rights found that the 32-year-old athlete was indeed a victim of discrimination and that his case had not been adequately investigated by Swiss justice.
If this decision does not allow him direct access to the athletics tracks without a test, it opens up the possibility of an appeal, provided that a five-judge panel deems it necessary for his case to be reviewed.
In 2020, following the Swiss decree, the athlete reaffirmed his will to fight” for the human rights of female athletes, on and off the track, until we can run as free as we were born “. This small victory reminds us that the fight is not won yet.
Do you like our articles? You will love our newsletters! Sign up for free on this page.
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
