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Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

Is She a He? Athlete Forced to Take Gender Test

A South African teenager will be forced to take a test to prove she is a woman after storming to victory Wednesday in the 800-meter sprint at the world championships.

Caster Semenya's dominating run, which she won by a massive 2.45 seconds, came on the same day track and field's ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius.

Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender. Ideally, any dispute surrounding an athlete is dealt with before a major competition. But Semenya's stunning rise from unknown teenage runner to the favorite in the 800 happened almost overnight. That meant the gender test — which takes several weeks — could not be completed in time.

Before the race, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies stressed this is a "medical issue, not an issue of cheating." He said the "extremely complex" testing has begun. The process requires a physical medical evaluation and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal medicine specialist and gender expert.

South Africa team manager Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane would not confirm or deny that Semenya was having such a test.

"We entered Caster as a woman and we want to keep it that way," Mlangeni-Tsholetsane said. "Our conscience is clear in terms of Caster. We have no reservations at all about that."

Although medals will be awarded for the 800, the race remains under a cloud until the investigation is closed, and Semenya could be stripped of the gold depending on the test results, IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss said.

"But today there is no proof and the benefit of doubt must always be in favor of the athlete," Weiss said.

Semenya's rivals said they tried not to dwell on the issue before the race.

"I've heard a lot of speculation, but all I could do was just keep a level head and go about my business," Meadows said. "If none of it's true, I feel very sorry for her."

One thing not in doubt was Semenya's outstanding run.

"Nobody else in the world can do that sort of time at the moment," Meadows said. "She obviously took the race by storm."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,5...latestnews

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Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

Oops, this is probably more fitting for gen ban, feel free to move it.

Anyway, I think a simple DNA test showing either XY or XX would resolve the question... but come on it's a guy.
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Holebender · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:34 am Post subject:

You obviously haven't seen her after the make-over.

This is old news anyway. Regardless of gender, referring to this human being as "it" is extremely degrading. I thought you were better than that.
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Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

I don't know if this is a man or a woman. Therefore English grammar rules are 'it' if you don't know. I'm an English teacher and a scientist (odd mix I grant you).

If it's proved it's a female then I'll happily say/write she or if it's proved a male then I'l happily say/write he. I guess I could've replaced it's with this person but it's longer to write and people are lazy.

However, it's not old news if this person is running in female athletics events without a DNA test.

Still, no offense intended.

Apologies.
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Every man dies, not every man really lives.

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Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

Seems the team doctor saw the sex test results, said they were unacceptable but the South African sports minister said 'ignore them' and publicly admits he (thus South Africa) cheated.

Now, it's old news.

But the medals should be given to the second place contestant.
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Every man dies, not every man really lives.

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landg · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

he looks like that bloke, remember her?

i saw hims/hers return to south africa and her supporters were crying racism when they said hims/hers sexuality was dubious, now we know it is dubious are we still racists?

or is the racist accusation been removed or apoligised for?

Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

Nought to do with racism and all to do with cheating.

Cheating is not necessarily immoral but it is very naughty.

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Every man dies, not every man really lives.

Alba gu bràth!