20 Aug 2009

Semenya undergoing gender verification test

6:33 am on 20 August 2009

South Africa's 800 metres world championship finalist Caster Semenya is undergoing a gender verification test after her improved form this year raised an alarm with athletics officials.

Semenya, is eligible to compete in the final as the complex medical process will not be completed until well after the championships finish this weekend

.An International Association of Athletics Federations spokesman says the rumours and gossip were starting to build upafter her breakthrough in the African junior championships.

Nick Daviessays the test is an extremely complex procedure and in the meantime there is no connclusive evidence Semenya should not be allowed to run.

Last month the 18-year-old set a personal best for the 800 metres of one minute 56.72 seconds la , eight seconds better than her old time and was also the fastest qualifier for the final, running 1:58.66 in her semi.