New testosterone scandal: Caster Semenya and the future of sport!

New testosterone scandal: Caster Semenya and the future of sport!

Boulder, Colorado, USA - The World Athletics Association has introduced a comprehensive new regulation that provides genetic tests for female athletes. According to this, DSG athletes must artificially lower their testosterone levels over a period of at least two years. This decision was made by a working group that came to the conclusion that the existing rules were not strict enough. Particular attention is paid to the Sry gene, which is responsible for gender differentiation and is to be tested in advance. The new test methods, such as the non-invasive cheek smear or dry blood analysis, should support the regulation and make it easier to implement it. Coe, the Secretary General of the IAAF, confidently commented that these regulations would withstand legal challenge and emphasized the protection of the women's category in sport.

The discussion about the new regulations is strongly shaped by the prominent athlete Caster Semenya, who is known for her success in the 800-meter run. Semenya has won two Olympic gold medals and three gold medals at World Championships. However, their participation in competitions was severely restricted by the controversial "testosterone rule" of the IAAF, which applies to competitions over 400 meters to a mile. This rule states that women who have a testosterone value of more than five nanomol per liter can be disqualified. In view of Semenya's testosterone value, which is at a level of similar levels as the male athlete, it was excluded from participation. Against this background, she sees the rule as personally tailored to her.

skepticism towards scientific foundations

The scientific foundations of the IAAF regulation are not undisputed. Roger Pielke, professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and other scientists question the data of the underlying study. Among other things, they criticize that the data is incorrect because up to 33% of the study information, such as double -counted athletes and not available, were shown as inaccurate. In addition, the study included data from athletes who were previously disqualified due to doping. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) found that there was a "lack of evidence" for the use of the rule to the disciplines 1500 meters and a mile, and recommended that the rule only be put into force if there is sufficient evidence. However, this recommendation was ignored by the IAAF.

In addition, Patrick Diel, biochemist and doping expert, indicates that testosterone is not the only influence for differences in performance in sport. A comprehensive comparison between intersex and not intersex athletes was not made. Semenya himself has also questioned her times in the past after injuries and other challenges, which also fueled the debate. A current study that shows that 7.1 out of 1,000 top athletes have increased testosterone values - especially in disciplines from 400 meters to a mile.

intersex athletes and ethical questions

The regulations of the IAAF concern not only Semenya, but also many other athletes with different sexual development. A statement by the IAAF on privacy emphasizes that information about affected athletes is treated confidentially, which is often criticized in public as too restrictive. Historically, Semenya was subjected to a controversial gender test in 2009 after her first world championship title, which still ensures conversation. Ethics and human rights in sport are increasingly in the foreground. Inquiries about the creation of a third gender category in sports or a category for "super fit" are getting louder, while the discussion about gender identity, performance and fairness continues in competition.

Overall, the Situation around the testosterone rule and the challenges that she brings with her for athletes like Caster Semenya remains extremely complex and controversial. In view of these developments, the world is eagerly awaiting the next steps and adjustments in the rules of international football.