Caster Semenya Rejects Athletics Leadership, Citing Repeated Betrayals

Caster Semenya says she has no plans to seek a leadership position in South African athletics, rejecting the prospect of joining the Athletics South Africa board or becoming an ambassador for the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. Her comments came as SASCOC considers a possible bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. Speaking on the sidelines of the Spar Grand Prix road running awards in Johannesburg, Semenya said she had been let down repeatedly by people in the sporting system. “I have been betrayed so many times by the very same people,” she said, adding that she could not imagine sitting at a table with someone she viewed as an adversary. She also stressed that she was speaking for herself and had no interest in any organisation or position at present. Semenya’s difficult relationship with athletics authorities has unfolded alongside her dispute over rules affecting athletes with differences of sex development. World Athletics regulations require some athletes with naturally elevated testosterone to lower their levels medically to compete in specified women’s events. Semenya declined medication and challenged the rules. She lost an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2019, while the European Court of Human Rights ruled in her favour in 2023 in a case concerning Switzerland’s handling of her challenge. The runner said she would rather focus on projects she considers her own priorities, including Masai Athletics Club and the Caster Semenya Foundation, which encourages children and communities from disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in sport. She also wants to concentrate on the athletes connected to her work. Semenya said she did not want to be placed in a position where she had to answer to others, describing the way sporting organisations operate as a reason to stay away. Instead of returning to national or international administration, she intends to put her energy into her club, foundation and athletes.