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Is it a boy? Is it a girl?
Nov. 28th, 2009 01:50 pm...I'd bet on 50/50%.
South African middle-distance sensation Caster Semenya was at the centre of an inquiry on Tuesday due to concerns about whether she is a male or female.
The 18-year-old has emerged in recent months as a top 800 metres runner, and won her semi-final in commanding fashion at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Monday night, eliminating Kenya's Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo along the way.
But the South African's physique and powerful style have sparked speculation in recent months that she might not be entirely female. IAAF rules state that competitors must be entirely female to compete in women's races but some people are born with a mixture of chromosomes and display both male and female characteristics.
The world athletics governing body, the IAAF, has conducted a series of tests on the South African, including physical checks and genetic screening.
I guess we'll learn soon. If (s)he is allowed to keep running, then everything is all right. If (s)he's 'advised' to quit her/his career, then let his/her little secret remain for him/herself. ;-)
South African middle-distance sensation Caster Semenya was at the centre of an inquiry on Tuesday due to concerns about whether she is a male or female.
The 18-year-old has emerged in recent months as a top 800 metres runner, and won her semi-final in commanding fashion at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Monday night, eliminating Kenya's Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo along the way.
But the South African's physique and powerful style have sparked speculation in recent months that she might not be entirely female. IAAF rules state that competitors must be entirely female to compete in women's races but some people are born with a mixture of chromosomes and display both male and female characteristics.
The world athletics governing body, the IAAF, has conducted a series of tests on the South African, including physical checks and genetic screening.
I guess we'll learn soon. If (s)he is allowed to keep running, then everything is all right. If (s)he's 'advised' to quit her/his career, then let his/her little secret remain for him/herself. ;-)
