Gender controversy as Semenya canters to win

SOUTH AFRICA’S Caster Semenya, the subject of an official investigation into her gender, last night won gold in the 800 metres at the World Championships in Berlin.

The IAAF revealed yesterday they have been investigating Semenya’s gender after her breakthrough performance when winning the African junior championship title at the end of July.

The 18-year-old ran a stunning time of one minute 56.72 seconds in Mauritius, striking almost four seconds from her previous best, and sliced another 1.27secs off that time with victory in the Olympic Stadium.

Semenya moved to the front of the field at the bell and simply strode away from the rest to win in 1:55.45secs, more than two seconds ahead of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya, with Britain’s Jenny Meadows claiming bronze.

Semenya was escorted by IAAF officials through the mixed zone and advised not to attend the traditional medallists’ press conference.

In the men’s 1,500m, Bahrain’s Yusuf Saad Kamel produced a blistering finish to claim gold in 3:35.93.

Ethiopia’s Deresse Mekonnen, who had moved into the lead just after the bell, took silver ahead of defending champion Bernard Lagat of the United States.

Germany’s Robert Harting thrilled the home crowd with victory in the men’s discus final courtesy of his last throw of the competition, a personal best of 69.43m to snatch gold from Poland’s Piotr Malachowski.

In the men’s 400m, American LaShawn Merritt qualified fastest for Friday’s final with a time of 44.37s, the fastest in the world this year, while compatriot and defending champion Jeremy Wariner was third quickest overall in 44.69.

Usain Bolt again looked in imperious form as he cruised to the fastest qualifying time for the 200m final, the Jamaican easing down to clock 20.08s.