Fresh blow for Semenya as IAAF announce new rules
A leading sport scientist believes the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) new laws on female testosterone regulations will have a massive impact on the career of World and Olympic champion Caster Semenya.
"I think almost certainly. I would be incredibly surprised if she doesn't slow down quite significantly," says world-renowned sport scientist, Dr Ross Tucker.
Semenya will now have to take medication to bring down her testosterone levels if she wants to continue competing in the 400, 800 and 1500m disciplines.
The new law will apply to athletes that compete in events from 400m to the mile.
"We know, based on past experiences, that they get a lot slower. My prediction would be that you looking at between 4% and 6%, which in an 800m race is between 5 to 7 seconds," Tucker explains.
Semenya received overwhelming support on social media after the IAAF made the announcement on Thursday.
Tucker says the 27-year-old could still challenge the new regulations before it comes into effect on November 1.
He believes the new regulations could be seen as unjust to athletes with hyperandrogenism.
"How strong is the evidence for the advantage, is the advantage of having high testosterone large enough to force athletes to take medication?"
