16 Oct 2009

Semenya too traumatised to take university exams

6:43 am on 16 October 2009

South Africa's gender row athlete Caster Semenya is too traumatised to take her university examinations, according to her trainer.

Michael Seme says her head is very tired.

Semenya won the 800m gold medal at the World Championships shortly after it emerged she had been told to take gender tests, sparking a media storm.

The world athletics body has refused to comment on leaked reports saying she has both male and female sexual organs.

The University of Pretoria, where Ms Semenya is studying Sports Science, has agreed to let her write her exams when she is ready.

Ms Semenya has not been allowed to speak to the media throughout the saga and now Athletics South Africa (ASA) is refusing to comment on any reports related to the 18-year old.

The International Association of Athletics Federation ordered Ms Semenya to take the gender test after she made remarkable improvements in her performances in recent months, culminating in her gold medal-winning performance.