There's nothing sporting about sex tests

[Butterfly]

There's nothing sporting about sex tests
The Globe and Mail
By David Zirin and Sherry Wolf
August 27, 2009


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/theres-nothing-sporting-about-sex-tests/article1265686/


World-class South African athlete Caster Semenya, age 18, won the 800-metre final at the world athletics championships last week. But her victory was all the more remarkable in that she was forced to run amid a controversy that reveals the twisted way international track and field views gender.

The sports world has been buzzing for some time over the rumour that Ms. Semenya may be a man, or more specifically, not "entirely female." According to the newspaper The Age, her "physique and powerful style have sparked speculation in recent months that she may not be entirely female." From all accounts, an arduous process of "gender testing" on Ms. Semenya has already begun. The idea that an 18-year-old who has just experienced the greatest athletic victory of her life is being subjected to this very public humiliation is shameful to say the least.