Jumping The Gun – Revisited

Last year, I noted that there had been some less than sensitive treatment of South African athlete Caster Semenya following her routine trouncing of the opposition and persistent rumours about her sexuality. Put directly, it was out of order.

Now, following an eleven month ban from competition, the good news is that Semenya has been cleared to compete again. There have been yet more rumours, suggesting that she is no longer quite as fleet of foot as before, and linking this to an alleged course of hormone treatment.

But the lack of speed may just be down to her not being allowed to compete. In any case, as the IAAF investigation has declared the medial details of its case confidential, the press would be best advised not to speculate. But, as we know of the Fourth Estate, speculate is probably what they will do.

Meanwhile, the competition should concentrate on one thing: keeping up.