Exponents of such tests premise their argument on the concept of Human Rights. It is their contention that such tests have violated the right of the athlete. The discussion hereunder is a critique of this theory. Before I venture into my discussion, a truncated background of this matter is salutary. Mokgadi Caster Semenya is a South African teenager who won 800m final at the World Athletics Competitions in Berlin. Semenya crushed her rivals by streaking away to secure victory in 1 min 55.45 seconds - the best time in the world this year. The race was run amidst controversy following the announcement by the International Amateurs Athletics Federation that the gender of the 18-year Semenya be verified.
The issue for determination is whether or not it is justifiable to expose the athlete to a sex verification test. In making a decision, one must apply their mind to the competing interests of the parties involved in the matter. Essentially the parties to the matter are the athlete on one hand and International Amateurs Athletics Federation on the other. We now turn to legal implications associated with this matter.
