July 11, 2025 | Strasbourg, France
The European Court of Human Rights is preparing to deliver a landmark decision in the case of South African track star Caster Semenya, a ruling that could influence the way gender and eligibility are understood in international athletics.
Semenya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 800 meters, is challenging World Athletics’ regulations. These rules require athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) to medically reduce their natural testosterone levels to compete in certain women’s track events. She argues that being forced into medical treatment undermines her rights to bodily integrity, privacy, and non-discrimination.
“I am fighting for the dignity of all women in sport,” Semenya has said. “No one should have to change their body to meet someone else’s criteria of fairness.”
World Athletics maintains that higher testosterone levels offer a performance edge in distances from 400 meters to one mile, and insists the rules are necessary to preserve a level playing field for cisgender women.
Although the court’s ruling won’t instantly erase these regulations, a decision in Semenya’s favor could pressure sports authorities and governments to rethink eligibility criteria. It may also prompt similar legal challenges from other athletes whose eligibility is contested.
This case highlights the complex intersection of science, gender identity, and fair competition. Advocates say the rules reflect outdated, exclusionary ideas about femininity. Critics argue that consistent standards are essential for fair sport.
The court’s decision, expected within days, is being closely watched by athletes, lawyers, and rights organizations worldwide. It has the potential to reshape policies and redefine fairness in elite sports.
This story will be updated once the European Court of Human Rights issues its official ruling.
Media Contact for European Court of Human Rights:
European Court of Human Rights (Council of Europe)
Strasbourg, France
Tel: +33 3 90 21 42 08
Fax: +33 3 88 41 27 30
