Semenya will have to wait before competing, says athletics body

Athletics South Africa (ASA) have reiterated their position that Caster Semenya cannot compete until the results of her gender tests are known.

The world 800 metres champion released a statement yesterday indicating her intention to return to the sport immediately, just hours after the ASA said her return would have to wait until the conclusion of testing by the IAAF.

In response to Semenya's statement, ASA spokesman Richard Stander told Johannesburg's 702 Talk Radio today: "The IAAF have said the scientific team is due to report back in June so we are waiting for that."

Semenya has not competed since her victory at the World Championships in Berlin last summer.

The 19-year-old was expected to hear the decision last November but in frustration at the long delay, released a lengthy statement yesterday apparently in a bid to speed up a resolution.

Semenya's statement read: "I am an athlete first and foremost and it is vital for my competitiveness, my well-being and for my preparations for events during the European summer that I measure my performance against other athletes.

"I hereby publicly announce my return to athletics competitions. My coach, agent and I will work closely together to identify and prepare for a limited number of athletics meetings over the course of the coming athletics season."

The IAAF are maintaining their position that they will not comment on Semenya's case until the medical findings are finally released.