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Caster Semenya to return in June

Caster Semenya
Caster Semenya

World 800 metres champion Caster Semenya has confirmed she will return to competitive action on 24 June in Spain.

The South African, who underwent tests to determine her gender, has not raced since winning gold at last summer's World Championships in Berlin.

The 19-year-old also revealed she has decided against taking Athletics South Africa (ASA) to court after the organisation did not allow her to run at a meet in Stellenbosch last week.

Semenya, who claimed a dominant victory in the Olympic Stadium last August to win the final in one minute 55.45 seconds, was left embarrassed last week over the Stellenbosch debacle.

She was initially set to run but reportedly turned down by organisers, prompting an angry reaction to both the IAAF and ASA - and a threat to take legal action against the latter.

Her statement continued: ‘I believe the decision to bar me from competing in Stellenbosch last week was unlawful and wrongful.

‘I have, however, considered the request by Athletics South Africa (ASA) that I await the conclusion of the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) processes by the beginning of June this year before I return to competitive athletics.

‘I welcome ASA's public statement it will ensure the IAAF is held to its undertaking to complete its processes by the beginning of June.

‘I trust ASA will do the honourable thing and stick to its word in this regard. I have also instructed my legal representatives to seek confirmation by the IAAF that it will complete its processes by the beginning of June.

‘I also trust that this will be forthcoming.’

Semenya's win in Germany was heavily overshadowed by the news she had been asked to undergo gender tests by the IAAF.

She has since been keeping a low profile, but was back in the spotlight last week after being withdrawn from the meet in the Cape province.

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