http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19082009/58/berlin-2009-gender-test-semenya.htmlBerlin 2009 - Gender test for SemenyaEurosport - Wed, 19 Aug 18:17:00 2009
South Africa's 800 metres World Championship finalist Caster Semenya is undergoing a gender verification test after her improved form this year raised an alarm with athletics officials.
Semenya, is eligible to compete in the final later on Wednesday as the complex medical process will not be completed until well after the August 15-23 championships.
"In the case of this athlete, following her breakthrough in the African junior championships, the rumours, the gossip was starting to build up," said IAAF spokesman Nick Davies.
"The gender verification test is an extremely complex procedure," Davies added. "The situation today is that we do not have any conclusive evidence that she should not be allowed to run."
The 18-year-old set a personal best for the 800 metres of one minute 56.72 seconds on July 31, which was eight seconds better than her time in 2008.
She was also the fastest qualifier for the final, running 1:58.66 her semi.
Davies said this was not a mandatory or compulsory test and the athlete was in no way suspected of cheating.
"This is a medical condition. It is nothing that she has done. There is a need to make sure rules are followed," Davies said, adding discretion and the protection of the athlete was paramount.
"We are more concerned for the person and not to make this as something that is humiliating," he said.
