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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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11

Athletics Boss: I Lied About Semenya

'Tell me someone who has not lied to protect a child,' Chuene says

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(Newser) – The president of Athletics South Africa admitted today that he lied to cover up gender tests conducted on runner Caster Semenya, saying he was trying to protect her, the Mail & Guardian reports. Leonard Chuene also admitted to rejecting advice from an ASA team doctor to withdraw Semenya from last month’s world athletics championships in Berlin. “I now realize that it was an error of judgment, and I would like to apologize unconditionally,” Chuene said.

“I felt that at the time I was acting in the best interests of Caster Semenya as a person," Chuene said, the Guardian reports. "I believed at the time my consistent denials would help protect her. I was not going to stop her talent because of rumors. My only crime committed was to take a decision that she must run, and she won. Tell me someone who has not lied to protect a child.”

This Aug. 25, 2009 file photo shows South Africa's athlete Caster Semenya.
This Aug. 25, 2009 file photo shows South Africa's athlete Caster Semenya.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)
South Africa's Caster Semenya celebrates after winning the gold medal in the final of the Women's 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
South Africa's Caster Semenya celebrates after winning the gold medal in the final of the Women's 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene, looks on during his press conference in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 19, 2009.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene, looks on during his press conference in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 19, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene, address the media during a press conference in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 19, 2009.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene, address the media during a press conference in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 19, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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11 comments
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Mr.C
Sep 19, 09 4:40 PM CDT
??? Reply
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blackgrl
Sep 19, 09 4:55 PM CDT
my heart goes out to this woman - because that is how she's identified herself all her life. to have her personal information displayed to the public is appalling. and as proven, i can't imagine So. Africa to handle this matter w/ dignity, discretion, and sensitivity. but then the rest of the world wasn't much better. Reply
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UrUndertaker
Sep 19, 09 11:37 PM CDT
Perhaps you know about them because you seek the same help perhaps?
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Abdulsamadabdul
Sep 20, 09 5:09 AM CDT
you are a very, very simple minded hillbilly-sorry ass cocksucker all in small print
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DontLikeYou
Sep 19, 09 10:00 PM CDT
This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply
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