Two-time Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya has condemned the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) new policy restricting women's competitions to biological females.
Semenya, who has disorders of sex development (DSD) and higher-than-normal testosterone levels, has challenged the rule in court and says it undermines fairness.
"For her being a woman coming from Africa, knowing how African women or women in the global South are affected by that," she said.
The IOC plans to use genetic testing, specifically SRY gene screening, to determine eligibility for women’s events starting at the LA28 Olympics.
Semenya, banned from recent major competitions for refusing to lower her hormone levels, accused the IOC of ticking boxes rather than addressing real concerns.
"It’s you ticking the box," she stated.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry defended the move, calling it necessary for safety and fairness.
"It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category," she said.
Semenya’s legal battle continues as the debate over gender inclusion in sports intensifies.