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Caster Semenya's Case Heads to European Human Rights Court's Grand Chamber for Final Ruling

Double Olympic champion Semenya challenges World Athletics' testosterone level requirements, claiming discrimination against female athletes with hyperandrogenism; her case was referred to the Grand Chamber by the Swiss government after earlier rulings in her favor by the ECHR.

  • Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya is challenging World Athletics' requirements for female athletes to medically reduce their testosterone levels. Semenya is accusing the athletic body of discrimination against athletes with hyperandrogenism, a condition characterized by higher than average testosterone levels.
  • Semenya's case was initially heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Swiss Federal Court, both of which ruled against her. The case was referred to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) by the Swiss government, which ruled in her favor by a majority of four to three in July this year.
  • The ECHR did not pass a judgement against World Athletics' regulations but stated that Semenya's appeal to the Swiss Federal Court had not been properly heard. Now, her case will be heard by the full 17-member ECHR Grand Chamber for a final ruling.
  • Despite the ongoing legal battle, Semenya has stated that her competitive running days are likely over. However, she remains committed to her fight against World Athletics, insisting that her quest is now about fighting for what is right and for the future generation of athletes affected by the same ruling.
  • World Athletics maintains that its regulations are the only way to ensure a level playing field in women's sports. The federation asserts its primary interest is in protecting the female category, claiming that without such rules in place, women and young girls will not choose sport.
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