S. Africa Team Hid Semenya Gender Tests

Officials knew about testes, testosterone

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2009 5:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Officials at Athletics South Africa covered up tests showing that Caster Semenya had internal testes and unusually high testosterone levels, the Mail & Guardian and Times of London report. ASA leaders told Semenya that the tests, conducted early last month, were for drugs and let her compete in Berlin—where she became the 800-meter champion and aroused questions about her gender.

ASA event's manager "said they couldn’t withdraw Semenya because they needed a medal at all costs," an official told M&G. ASA chief Leonard Chuene "didn’t even bother to brief the athlete about the developments around the tests and the implications. They destroyed an innocent girl because of a medal."

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In this Monday Aug. 17, 2009 file photo South Africa's Caster Semenya pauses after competing in a Women's 800m semifinal at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 25, Leonard Chuene (ASA President), talks to press during the Team SA Press Conference at the Holiday Inn on August 25, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Getty Images)

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Thinking about the current confidential matter I would suggest the following: 1. We get a gynae opinion and take it to Berlin. 2. We do nothing and I will handle these issues if they come up in Berlin.
- Email from Dr. Harold Adams, ASA doctor, to Leonard Chuene, ASA president

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S. Africa Team Hid Semenya Gender Tests