Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya has announced her intention to challenge the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) newly introduced gender testing policy for female athletes. Semenya claims that this regulation "undermines women’s rights" and has committed to a vocal fight against it.

The IOC revealed the policy last week, aiming to establish a universal standard for female elite sports competitors amidst years of inconsistent and controversial regulations. Semenya, who has faced significant scrutiny over her eligibility due to her Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), emphasized her determination to advocate for women's rights in sports.

Speaking from Pretoria, the 35-year-old athlete stated:

• "We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard."
• "It’s a matter of women standing for themselves to say, enough is enough. We are not going to be told how to do things."

Semenya questioned the rationale behind the IOC’s policy, expressing confusion over why her physical attributes are scrutinized if she is accepted as a woman in sports. The IOC’s policy notes that including androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes in the female category could compromise fairness and integrity in elite competition.

Despite being restricted to shorter distances after winning two Olympic and three world titles in the 800 meters, Semenya argues that there is "no science" supporting the notion that her DSD provides an advantage. She believes athletic success stems from hard work, not genetics.

The new testing protocol for female athletes will involve a cheek swab or saliva analysis, with further investigations for those testing positive for the SRY gene. Semenya condemned the policy, stating:

• "It undermines women. It undermines women’s dignity. It violates women’s rights because we know historically, these (tests) have failed before."

She criticized IOC President Kirsty Coventry for inadequate consultation with athletes like herself, asserting that genuine engagement was lacking. Semenya concluded:

• "If you’re going to consult, consult with a genuine heart... Unfortunately, they have ticked a wrong box."