Two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has secured a partial legal victory at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in her protracted battle over sex eligibility rules in athletics
The court ruled that Semenya’s right to a fair hearing was violated by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, which had previously upheld a decision requiring her to lower her naturally high testosterone levels to compete in women’s events.
While the ECHR did not overturn the World Athletics rules nor rule on discrimination claims, it found that the Swiss court failed to conduct a sufficiently rigorous review of her appeal.
The case now returns to the Swiss judiciary for reconsideration, potentially reopening debate on the fairness and scientific basis of sex eligibility regulations in sport.
Semenya, who has always been legally identified as female and has refused to take hormone-suppressing drugs, called the ruling a “positive outcome” and emphasized the need to prioritize athletes’ rights.
The court awarded her €80,000 for legal costs and expenses
