In May 2019, the IAAF adopted new rules and regulations regarding testosterone levels. The rules apply to athletes with differences in their sexual development.
The rules apply to anyone who wants to participate in the track events. Some of the African athletes affected are;
Castor Semenya – South Africa’s 800M Gold Medalist
Caster Semenya who is a two-time gold medalist in the 800m was barred from participating in her preferred event due to the regulations by World Athletics.
According to the regulations, intersex runners are supposed to suppress their testosterone levels in order to participate in any 400m level or a mile long. She, therefore, started taking medication in order to reduce her levels, but in her court documents, she claimed the medication made her constantly sick.
Semenya was forced to compete in the 200m race during the Olympic trials in 2021 where she did not qualify. “They probably think I have an advantage,” said Semenya in an interview with Guardian.
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She is currently in a legal battle with World Athletics to allow her to compete in her preferred event.
Margaret Wambui – Kenya’s Bronze Medalist in the 800 Metres
Kenyan Olympic bronze medalist, Margaret Wambui competed alongside Semenya in the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. She too has been barred from competing in her preferred event, 800 meters because of elevated testosterone.
Just like Semenya she is adamant that she is not going to take any medication.”It would be good if a third category for athletes with high testosterone was introduced – because it is wrong to stop people from using their talents,” Wambui told BBC Sports Africa.
Francine Niyonsaba – Burundi’s 800M Silver Medalist
Francine Niyonsaba was also affected by the World Athletics regulations. The 800 meters race was her preference. She was previously ranked second in the 800 meters sprint and also competed with Wambui and Semenya in the 2016 Olympics before she was barred
She opted to run in the 10,000-metre race in the 2021 Olympics where she is ranked 63rd globally.
Aminatou Seyni – Niger’s 400M Athlete
Aminatou Seyni clocked the fifth fastest time in 2019 in the 400m sprint but suffered a major setback after the regulations by World Athletics.
“It broke my heart when I was told I couldn’t run in my favourite 400m event because I had higher testosterone,” said Seyni.”I didn’t want to take any medical steps… My hormones are natural.”
