Semenya wins appeal against Swiss Federal Tribunal ruling

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FILE PHOTO: Athletics - Golden League Track and Field ISTAF - The Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany - September 4, 2022 South Africas Caster Semenya in action during the womens 5000m REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

The Grand Chamber of the European Court on Thursday upheld a 2023 ruling that double 800 metres Olympic champion Caster Semenyas appeal to a Swiss Federal Tribunal against regulations that barred her from competing had not been properly heard.

Semenya is appealing against World Athletics regulations that female athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) medically reduce their testosterone levels.

The verdict of the Grand Chamber, part of the European Court of Human Rights, does not set aside these rules.

Under World Athletics rules, female DSD athletes must lower their level of testosterone to below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months to compete. This can be done medically or surgically.

Semenya, 34, is not seeking a return to the track and has turned to coaching, but says she is carrying on the fight for other DSD athletes, who she says are discriminated against.

The verdict, which does not give an opinion on the fairness of the regulations, opens the door for Semenya to continue her challenge to the regulations, which she says are discriminatory.

Its a battle for human rights now, the South African recently told reporters. Its not about competing. Its about putting athletes rights first. Its about the protection of athletes.

The Grand Chamber declared inadmissible Semenyas complaint of violations to her