Seven months have passed since South African runner Caster Semenya was tricked into undergoing a sex test. But despite all the time that has passed, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) still hasn't given the 19-year-old the test results or its official verdict about whether she will be allowed to compete as a woman in the future. Sure, the results were allegedly leaked to the press several months ago, but Semenya says she hasn't heard a word from her inquisitors and her reps haven't been able to get a hold of officials. So, she broke her silence Tuesday to essentially say: Screw it, I'm gonna start competing anyway.
"Unfortunately, these processes have dragged on far too long and with no reasonable certainty as to their end," she said in a statement. "The result is that my athletic capabilities and earning potential are being severely compromised. I am an athlete first and foremost and it is vital for my competitiveness, my well-being and for my preparations for the European summer that I measure my performance against other athletes." Despite her resolve, it isn't clear that she will actually be allowed to compete. In fact, she was barred from entering a South African competition the very same day as her big announcement.
I have but one word to adequately describe the IAAF's conduct: Disgusting. No wait -- shameful, bigoted, tragic, unforgivable, outrageous, incompetent. If officials can't manage to "figure out" someone's sex in seven whole months, they might want to reconsider whether it is really so supremely important.
Shares