Caster Semenya to return to athletics in June

AFP - South African champion sprinter Caster Semenya on Tuesday said she will return to competitive athletics in June, after world athletics' ruling body the IAAF releases her gender test results.

"I reiterate that based on medical and legal advice, I am firmly of the view that there are no impediments to me racing in female athletics competitions," said Semenya, whose 800-metre victory at last year's world championships caused huge controversy because of doubts over her gender.

The IAAF's decision to stop Semenya from competing until the tests results are known meant she could not compete in a local race last week.

She said that decision was "unlawful and wrongful", but that she had considered Athletics South Africa's request to wait for the IAAF outcome in June.

"I have therefore decided that I will return to competitive athletics at the EAA meeting to be held on 24 June in Zaragoza, Spain," Semenya said.

The IAAF announced shortly before her win at the Berlin championships last year that the 19-year-old would have to undergo tests to verify her gender.

Leaked test results said Semenya was a hermaphrodite, sparking anger from the South African public and government, who have rallied behind the athlete.

"I have also instructed my legal representatives to seek confirmation by the IAAF that it will complete its processes by the beginning of June, she said.

Semenya had threatened to launch a court bid challenging ASA's decision to bar her from competitions until she was cleared by the IAAF.