Support for runner after gender row

South Africans were today showing their support for the champion runner embroiled in a gender controversy, as they gathered to greet her return flight.

The mother and father of Caster Semenya, who is undergoing gender testing after questions arose about her muscular build and deep voice, were among some 1,000 fans at the Johannesburg airport this morning as the board showed the flight from Germany had landed.

Semenya, who took gold in the 800 metres, was returning with the other South Africans who had competed in the world track championships in Berlin.

Her mother, speaking in Pedi, told journalists she was proud – and other South Africans who do not know the 18-year-old said the same, brushing aside questions about whether she should be able to compete in women’s races.