The Sport and Recreation Department has announced it is planning to take a number of steps to further the fight of Caster Semenya against world athletics’ governing body the IAAF.
This follows the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow the IAAF to implement new rules limiting the levels of testosterone of women running between 400 metres and 1500-metres.
The statement from Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa has confirmed that Athletics South Africa (ASA) will appeal the CAS decision. That will be made before the Swiss Federal Court before the end of the month, in which they will challenge the decision and the IAAF’s ability to implement it.
The Department further says it will also step up the international lobby, and will approach the United Nations General Assembly to sanction the IAAF for violating International Human Rights Instruments.
The government is also supporting ASA in asking other national athletics associations to sign a petition asking the IAAF to rescind the regulations, and to lobby against the current executive.
