IAAF deny any Semenya medal deal

THE International Association of Athletics Federations insist no deal has been struck allowing Caster Semenya to keep her World Championships 800 metres gold medal.

Semenya emerged from obscurity this summer and was at the centre of huge controversy at the championships in Berlin when it was revealed the IAAF had ordered her to take a gender test. Last night an IAAF spokesman contested the contents of a statement issued by South Africa’s Department of Sport and Recreation.

The department claimed the South African government, the IAAF and Semenya’s lawyers had agreed during their deliberations to the 18-year-old retaining her title and prize money.

“Because Caster has been found to be innocent of any wrong (doing), she will retain her gold medal, retain her title of 800m world champion, retain her prize money,” the department said in a statement.

But the IAAF believe the press release is sending out mixed signals and reiterated it stands by the position laid out on Wednesday – that a decision over Semenya’s future career as a woman athlete has still yet to be reached.

“We stick 100% to (the) position and details of the IAAF release issued yesterday,” the spokesman said. “We are working towards a resolution but the case is not closed for us.

“The situation remains exactly the same as it was last night.”

Yesterday’s statement stressed: “The IAAF will not comment upon the medical aspects of Caster Semenya’s case.

“The medical testing of the athlete is still to be completed.”