The sound of the starter’s gun is heard and the racers speed on the track. No one looks back as their focus is mainly on the race and the finish line.
The crowd hitches their breath and their eyes trailed after the athletes, gazed fixed completely. Female athletes go head to head to cross first but one has already lifted the trophy. The gold medal dangles brightly, shining hanging on her neck. Once again Semenya proves to the world that she is nothing beneath a winner, victorious as always.
It is decided before every double 800 metres race for females that Caster Semenya will be crowned the best. For formalities the race still holds.
Mokgadi Caster Semenya is the one whose skin glistens brightly in the Olympics stadium. Year after year, her ability is proven. She has a total of two Olympics gold medals and three world championships in the 800 meters.
A South African middle-distance runner. The daughter of Dorcus Semenya and Jacob Semenya. Her siblings Nkele and Thabang Semenya complete the family. The athlete was born on the 7th of January, 1991. She turned 30 this year. Caster is married to her long-term partner Violet Rasaboya, together they have a young daughter named Oratile but fondly called Ora by her parents. The athlete posted a picture of her on her birthday this year as she turned two. Her social media handles show the picture of the beautiful family. Caster’s life showcases what she stands for and believes in.
Her speed and agility are enough to make heads turn but there is something else. Yet another feature that makes this athlete different and unique.
The athlete was born and recognized as a woman but isn’t accepted to be one. She is believed to have the “ Y” chromosomes. Meaning there are chances she has internal testes and lacks a womb or ovaries which a woman should possess. Beyond any doubt she isn’t a male, she is simply not a regular female.
“X” and “Y” chromosomes are called the sex chromosomes. They contribute to the development of a person. It defines gender. Most males have the “XY” chromosomes and the females “XX”. But some men and women have the “XY” chromosomes.
This is said to give her an edge over other female athletes she runs faster than. It made it easy for a debate to ensue about whether Caster should be allowed to continue running in the Olympics if they do not have the advantages she does.
Every year we celebrate pride month, recognizing the LGBTQ community. To encourage people to embrace them and accept them for the individuals that they are. What makes Caster’s story an exemption? Is it because she is an athlete and performs wonderfully well?
Using this as an opportunity, the sportsman fights for equality, standing against discrimination, is a race and gender activist, a hero to a lot of people. With small steps, she is resisting bullying.
In this just concluded 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo Caster wasn’t featured. Another athlete took the medal home. The rules on testosterone in the Olympics prevented her from running. As nobody has the choice to pick what they will become before coming into the world, it is unfair to the athlete. It is clear, beyond any doubt, that she is an incredible athlete. The reason behind that isn’t just any other reason but just how her body was created.
Caster said, “ I am a woman and I am fast!” She made it known to the entire world that her gender remains the same. Yes! Caster runs as quickly as can be imagined. So, why deprive her of the opportunity to do so?
Upon the controversies regarding Caster Semenya, it was decided that before she can participate in the Olympics then she would have to take hormone-lowering agents or have surgery.
Apparently, to make it fair for other female athletes. The Court of Arbitration in sport {CAS} laid down a rule. All athletes with forms of “ disorders of sex development” {DSD}. Although, it can also be known as “ intersex” conditions are to lower their testosterone levels to be eligible for elite races, competing as women.
That made it obvious that she has lost her appeal and the verdict was given.
Caster Semenya may have been prevented from running in the Olympics this time, and probably until she agrees to the terms. But one thing is certain, her legacy will remain. For she is Caster Semenya, not your average regular athlete, and not your average regular champion. Only better!
By Miss Elated
