Track star Caster Semenya gets new coach, new look

[gatorboy]

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Embattled-track-star-Caster-Semenya-gets-new-coa?urn=oly,187999

It's been a week of change for Caster Semenya, the South African runner at the center of a gender controversy at last month's world track championships.

First, one of her South African coaches quit the team in shame for not telling Semenya that she was being subjected to gender tests. (Semenya had thought she was taking a doping test.) Then, Semenya appeared on the cover of South Africa's You magazine with a complete makeover designed to silence critics who insist she is a man.

For the shoot Semenya sported a less ambiguous hair style, a designer black dress, jewelry, makeup and nail polish. Despite what you think about the whole situation, it's safe to say that this is the first time that Semenya has truly looked like an 18-year old woman.

<snip>

Let's hope this is what she wants though.

Nothing Semenya has done in the past month has suggested that she likes to wear dresses, get manicures and let down her hair. After the controversy broke, she kept her cornrows, wore baggy clothes and pounded her chest in victory like a college football cornerback. When she returned to her hometown, she was dressed the same way. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. That seemed to be Semenya's natural inclination. This feels forced.

[xultar]

1. The whole thing was fucked up. She shouldn't have to put on shit she

doesn't like if she doesn't want to.

Do yo thang ghurl.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. I agree.

and the entire exercise is pointless anyway...




To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

[Oregone]

3. "Semenya has truly looked like an 18-year old woman"

I guess Im a horrible person. Semenya looks like a guy in drag to me.

Looks aren't everything though

[tabatha]

7. I think she looks like a woman.

In the race that she won in Berlin, if one darkened the skin of the white runners, one would see the same degree of muscle tone. Similarly for the Williams sisters - because they are dark, shadows highlight muscle tone more so than say for Navratilova.

[Jennicut]

4. They forced her to look more girly. She should be allowed to be herself.

F*ck societal norms.

One of my best friends in high school has short hair and dressed like a boy. It was just who she was.

[tabatha]

8. There was no forcing.

She could not care what others think - she was just having fun.

I just say - go girl - you are an awesome athlete.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Her testosterone numbers went off the chart. nt

[tabatha]

6. Her testosterone numbers were three times the average

but still within the range - for women. NOT off the chart.
I hate it when people take something and exaggerate it.

Read this:
http://www.sportsscientists.com/

[Captain Hilts]

9. Yes. But it helps. nt

[tabatha]

10. Were the testosterone levels of other athletes tested?

If she is NOT in the male range, then she has an advantage, like other athletes have "freak" advantages.
And they are not barred.