Caster Semenya - All Woman?

When an 18 year old girl runs to a stunning victory in an athletics competition, one would expect testing for performance enhancing drugs, but it isn't often that you see the individuals sex being called into question.

Last week, Caster Semenya, a South African runner aged just 18 years old, won gold in the women's 800m in Berlin with a time of 1:55.45. Even before she ran in the final, questions were already being raised about her gender due to her broad, muscular physique.

In general, I agree with IAAF spokesman, Nick Davies, who said "There is a need to make sure the rules are followed". However, this gender test seems grossly unfair to me. It is true that she whooped the rest of the finalists in the event, beating the reigning champion, Janeth Jepkosqei Busienei, by nearly two and a half seconds, but the South African is still two seconds off the world record, which has remained unbeaten since 1983. It's not been made clear where the accusation, or suspicion has come from, but it is based entirely on Semenya's appearance. As far as I can see she is a typical female athlete: toned, muscular with very little bust. The only difference between Semenya and her rivals is the fact that she has slightly broader shoulders and short hair.

It's sad that even now, when women have much greatly equality than we have had previously, that women still have to conform to a set of physical expectations and rules. I wonder, if Caster had grown her hair long prior to this competition, would the same accusation have been made? Perhaps next time she runs, she should wear a skirt and high heels just to be on the safe side?