Caster Semenya (Gallo Images)

Doha - The investigation into the gender of women's 800m world champion Caster Semenya is still ongoing, world athletics governing body said Wednesday.

The 19-year-old South African dominated the 800m event in the world championships last August in Berlin, sauntering home to take the title despite coming into the event a virtual unknown.

Her muscular physique and gravely voice drew questions about her gender. Leaked test results said Semenya was a hermaphrodite, sparking anger from the South African public and government, who rallied behind the athlete.

The sports' governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) have maintained a diplomatic silence but have agreed that Semenya would keep her title won in Berlin.

Scientific tests into the gender of the first year sports science student - who grew up in a rural village in northern South Africa - have officially remained confidential.

And on Tuesday, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies refused to be drawn on Semenya.

"Discussions (into her gender) are still ongoing," Davies told reporters ahead of the World Indoor Championships in the Qatari capital.

"We will not be making any comment until further notice."

No announcement has been made on whether she can run again internationally.