Share

Caster denied entry into Diamond League event… seeks answers

Cape Town - South African athlete Caster Semenya wants answers after she was barred from competing in Sunday's Diamond League 800m event in Rabat, Morocco.

Semenya's lawyers said she was notified on Tuesday that the president of the Moroccan Athletics Federation had denied her entry in the 800m race.

However on Thursday, the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland rejected the IAAF's urgent request for permission to re-impose its eligibility regulations on the two-time 800m world champion.

Semenya's team now wants answers as to why she was not allowed to compete in Sunday's Diamond League event.

A statement released by Semenya’s lawyers on Thursday read: "The world and Olympic champion was frustrated that she has been prevented from competing in the 800 metres at the upcoming IAAF Diamond League Meeting in Rabat on June 16, in an apparent violation of the Swiss Supreme Court's order.

"She was notified on June 11 that the President of the Moroccan Athletics Federation has denied her participation in the 800m in Rabat. Caster is currently seeking clarity on the specific reasons for that decision, and she urges the IAAF to ensure its member federations comply with the law and the Supreme Court's orders of May 31 and June 12."

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Semenya's challenge against the new IAAF regulations that would force her to lower her testosterone levels.

She however appealed to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland which temporarily suspended the IAAF rules until a further hearing could take place.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE