By Duncan Mackay

September 19 - Athletics South Africa (ASA) President Leonard Chuene (pictured) has admitted today to knowing that world 800 metres champion Caster Semenya underwent gender tests but said he lied to the public to protect her privacy.


He was addressing the National Press Club in Pretoria following weeks of controversy over the athlete’s gender.

Chuene said the gender test was carried out before he sent her to the World Championships in Berlin last month.

He said: “Tests were conducted in Pretoria on 7 August.

"Caster Semenya was accompanied by her coach Michael Seme to this test."

Chuene initially claimed he had no knowledge of any tests conducted on Semenya before she departed.

However, he then said he lied to protect her.

Chuene said: “It’s human to protect other people.

"I cannot be hypocritical about this I stand exactly.

"Even if I knew - I was not going to let you know.”

The South African team doctor Dr Harold Adams advised ASA to withdraw Semenya, citing concerns over her gender arising out of the tests, Chuene admitted.

Chuene said he refused because there was "no basis" on which to withdraw her as he had not himself received the test results and could not act on "rumour".

He said: "I refused.

"There was no way we were going to withdraw this girl...I was not going to stop her talent to be known by the world because of rumours.

"If we did not allow this girl to run we will be confirming ourselves the girl is not normal."

South Africa's former team manager Wilfred Daniels claims Semenya was tricked into believing she was going for dope tests and felt angry and humiliated.

Chuene also claimed two International Association of Athletics Federations officials had expressed concern about Semenya's condition and recommended she fake injury in Berlin to avoid coming under the spotlight.


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