12 Mar 2010

Semenya investigation still ongoing

7:58 am on 12 March 2010

The International Atrhletics Federation says the investigation into the gender of women's 800m world champion Caster Semenya is still ongoing.

The 19-year-old South African dominated the 800m event in the world championships last August in Berlin, sauntering home to take the title despite coming into the event a virtual unknown.

Her muscular physique and gravely voice drew questions about her gender. Leaked test results said Semenya was a hermaphrodite, sparking anger from the South African public and government, who rallied behind the athlete.

The IAAF have maintained a diplomatic silence but have agreed that Semenya will keep her title won in Berlin.

Scientific tests into the gender of the first year sports science student - who grew up in a rural village in northern South Africa - have officially remained confidential.

No announcement has been made on whether she can run again internationally.