World champ Semenya is cleared for return

Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG

Caster Semenya was cleared to immediately return to track by the sport’s governing body Tuesday, ending an 11-month layoff while she underwent gender tests after becoming the 800-meter world champion.

Semenya is allowed to keep running as a woman, although it is unclear if she has had any medical procedure or treatment during her time away.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said medical details of the 19-year-old South African’s case would remain confidential and it will have no further comment on the matter.

The IAAF added in its statement from its Monaco headquarters that it accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that Semenya can compete with “immediate effect.”

She could return to competition at the world junior championships in Moncton, New Brunswick, starting July 19.

“I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me.” Semenya said in a statement.

Athletics South Africa said Semenya would be considered for the country’s team at the junior championships. The ASA says she must pass a fitness test in Pretoria on Wednesday.

“Of course, we are happy,” ASA official Richard Stander said. “When an athlete cannot compete it is frustrating for them and frustrating for us as a federation.”

Semenya underwent gender tests following her dominant run as an 18-year-old at the Berlin world championships last August.

The announcement ended a saga in which the teenager burst onto the world scene in Berlin where she captured a gold medal in her first major event. Her dramatic improvement in times and muscular build led the IAAF to order gender verification tests.

Semenya was welcomed as a national hero in South Africa following her stunning victory.