On Tuesday, the ECHR delivered a verdict implying that the DSD policies set by World Athletics were discriminatory, a judgment that impacted Caster Semenya, a double Olympic 800m champion.
In reaction to the verdict, Semenya, victorious in her appeal against the Swiss government for not upholding her rights—tracing back to a 2020 Swiss Supreme Court decision—stated that “justice has been heard”. The 32-year-old South African champion mentioned, “This decision has been a long time in the making.”
Expressing her satisfaction, she said, “I am overjoyed with the judgment’s outcome.”
Semenya, who was born with differences of sexual development (DSD), cannot participate in track events without undergoing testosterone-reducing treatment.
She has been embroiled in an ongoing conflict with World Athletics, which insists athletes with DSD undergo hormone treatment to compete in female track events – a stipulation Semenya adamantly opposes.
The three-time 800m world champion has twice been unsuccessful in legal attempts to reverse the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in 2019 and in Switzerland three years prior.
The ECHR ruled that the Swiss government did not adequately protect Semenya from discrimination when the Supreme Court did not repeal a verdict by Cas, which sustained World Athletics’ regulations.
In her statement, Semenya further expressed: “I have suffered significantly at the hands of those in power and been treated unjustly.
“My devotion and commitment to the sport I love have been challenged. My rights have been infringed upon. My career has been affected. All of this has had a devastating impact on me, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.
“While justice has been heard, this is just the beginning.”
Although Semenya’s case at the ECHR did not directly involve World Athletics, she pointed out that the decision bears significance as it casts uncertainty over the future of all similar rules.
She further shared, “My hope is that World Athletics, and indeed all sports bodies, will contemplate the European Court of Human Rights’ statements and ensure the athletes’ dignity and human rights are upheld.”
Semenya, who is also a 1500m Commonwealth champion, participated in the 5,000m at the World Championships in Oregon the previous year, but did not qualify for the finals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Caster Semenya ECHR ruling
What was the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights regarding Caster Semenya?
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favour of Caster Semenya, implying that the DSD regulations of World Athletics were discriminatory. This decision was a significant victory for Semenya who has been in a long dispute with the athletics governing body.
What is the dispute between Caster Semenya and World Athletics?
Caster Semenya, who was born with differences of sexual development (DSD), has been in a long-running conflict with World Athletics. The organization mandates that athletes with DSD undergo hormone treatment to compete in female track events, a condition that Semenya adamantly refuses.
Has Caster Semenya previously attempted to overturn the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport?
Yes, Semenya has twice failed in legal appeals to overturn the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in 2019 and three years prior in Switzerland.
How did Semenya react to the European Court of Human Rights ruling?
Semenya expressed elation and satisfaction with the judgment. She stated that “justice has been heard” and it had been a long time coming.
What is the significance of this ruling for other athletes?
While the case did not directly involve World Athletics, Semenya pointed out that the decision casts uncertainty over the future of similar rules. She hopes that World Athletics and all sports bodies reflect on the European Court of Human Rights’ statements and respect the dignity and human rights of athletes.
More about Caster Semenya ECHR ruling
- Caster Semenya’s case against World Athletics
- Differences of sexual development (DSD) in athletics
- The role of the European Court of Human Rights
- Regulations of World Athletics
6 comments
wait, what are these DSD regulations exactly? Anyone can enlighten me here?
its about time world athletics takes a hard look at their rules. The ECHR ruling should b a wake up call!
Way to go, Caster! show ’em what real strength is about.
This is gr8 news! Semenya is a champ, she’s been fighting this for so long! Justice has finally been served!
i’m all for fair competition, but there has to be respect for human rights too. This is a complex issue indeed…
So happy for her, seems like justice prevailed. But wot does it mean for other athletes tho?