Government stands firm in support of Caster Semenya
The South African Department of Sports and Recreation says it is supporting the country's golden girl, Caster Semenya all the way.
Officials are also encouraging all South Africans to do the same.
This after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Semenya's challenge over rules affecting testosterone levels for some female athletes.
The IAAF says these rules are important to level the playing field and will ensure that all female athletes compete fairly.
Semenya has just under a month to challenge the outcome.
Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga says they have asked Athletics SA to advise the department on the way forward.
"We are pleased that there is a window for appeal, but we will be guided by the team who will study the judgment," he said.
Meanwhile, Semenya says the ruling will not hold her back.
She released a statement through her legal representatives after the ruling was made public.
"For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back," she said.
Semenya said she believes the IAAF's regulations have always targeted her specifically.
This after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Semenya's challenge over rules affecting testosterone levels for some female athletes.
Athletics South Africa says it is going to study the full judgement.
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Semenya, the two-time Olympic 800 metre champion, will now have to take drugs to suppress her naturally high levels of the hormone if she wants to compete.The IAAF says these rules are important to level the playing field and will ensure that all female athletes compete fairly.
Semenya has just under a month to challenge the outcome.
Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga says they have asked Athletics SA to advise the department on the way forward.
"We are pleased that there is a window for appeal, but we will be guided by the team who will study the judgment," he said.
Meanwhile, Semenya says the ruling will not hold her back.
She released a statement through her legal representatives after the ruling was made public.
"For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back," she said.
Semenya said she believes the IAAF's regulations have always targeted her specifically.