Athlete Caster Semenya has not been disqualified from participating in any future athletics meetings, the law firm representing her said on Monday.
“Her medal is confirmed, as is her prize money, and her record stands. She has not been disqualified from participating in any future athletics meetings,” said a statement from lawyers Gregory Nott and Jeffrey Kessler, who are representing her.
They are currently trying to reach an agreement with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regarding her individual rights, and her rights as an international athlete running in the colours of South Africa.
Due to the sensitivity of the matter, in which Semenya’s gender was questioned after a victory in Germany last year, they had not wanted to comment previously.
“However, it is clear that our client’s rights are once again being infringed. Caster is a world champion. She has committed no wrongdoing,” said the statement.
The company said it had faith in the negotiation process, but until matters were finalised “we trust that … her rights will be respected by all bodies, local and international”.
Last week Semenya’s coach, Michael Seme, announced she would be participating in races again, but the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said she could not run until the IAAF gender-verification test result issue was finalised.
“Let’s be very clear on one thing. As things stand, Caster Semenya is not eligible to run in any sanctioned meeting or race,” said a Sascoc statement issued on Friday.
Seme said on Monday he been instructed by Semenya’s lawyers not to comment further on the young university student’s athletics career and whether she still intends racing.
Athletics South Africa has decided that Sascoc would handle media queries. — Sapa