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Semenya Is a Hermaphrodite: Aussie Tab

South African track sensation has no uterus or ovaries: source

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2009 5:44 PM CDT
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(Newser) – South African track star Caster Semenya is a hermaphrodite, the Daily Telegraph of Australia reports. The 18-year-old has no ovaries or uterus, according to the tabloid, which cites "a source closely involved" in tests ordered by the international track and field governing body after Semenya won the gold medal in the the 800m at the recent world championships. Test have also found her blood contains three times the expected level of testosterone.

The International Association of Athletics Federations is treading lightly to avoid roiling the South African government and African National Congress, according to the source. "There certainly is evidence Semenya is a hermaphrodite. But the trouble is the IAAF now have the whole ANC and the whole of South Africa on their backs," she said. "Everything is going to have to be done absolutely by the book, no question of a challenge to our findings."

South African athlete Caster Semenya laughs with her grandmother Maphuthi Sekgala during a celebration in Moletjie, South Africa, Friday Aug. 28, 2009.
South African athlete Caster Semenya laughs with her grandmother Maphuthi Sekgala during a celebration in Moletjie, South Africa, Friday Aug. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South African athlete Caster Semenya gestures during her celebration at the Ga-Masehlong village in Moletjie, South Africa, Friday Aug. 28, 2009.
South African athlete Caster Semenya gestures during her celebration at the Ga-Masehlong village in Moletjie, South Africa, Friday Aug. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South African runner Caster Semenya displays her gold medal to the crowd, during a parade through the streets of Pretoria, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.
South African runner Caster Semenya displays her gold medal to the crowd, during a parade through the streets of Pretoria, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 27 comments
GeminiMishy
Oct 27, 2009 5:01 AM CDT
That's very true passinthru. I had at least three friends while growing up that never got their first period because of intense gymnastics/cheer training. They did this year round. It always seemed weird to me, but they had come to expect it. Part of the program I suppose.
riffran
Sep 12, 2009 7:32 AM CDT
welcome to the arena...called NEWSER...lol...par for the lefty course
Jojo
Sep 11, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
On a side note though - when is Serena and Venus going to get tested?

 
South Africa • athletics • IAAF • track and field • gold medalist • Caster Semenya • gender test

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