March 29 - Caster Semenya (pictured), the world 800 metres champion, should be allowed to return to the track despite a gender row, her lawyers have claimed in a move that could cause a major showdown with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).



Ray Mali, the interim President of Athletics South Africa, told The Associated Press that he held a conference call with 19-year-old Semenya and her lawyers earlier today, and they wanted her to be allowed to compete in an event tomorrow.

"As I speak now there is no clarity," Mali said in a telephone interview with the Associated Press.

"I am engaging the IAAF who are handling this.

"Her lawyers are saying she must run."

Mali said he was waiting for a response from the IAAF over whether it would clear Semenya to run in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town, in the Yellow Pages Series V meet.

"If the IAAF say no and Caster goes on to run it could have far-reaching implications for athletics," Mali said.

"I am trying to bring the IAAF on board."

Semenya's father, Jacob, told The Johannesburg Times tonight that the family was impatient with "those people who don't want her to compete".

IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said he had "no information" of any developments.

Semenya has not competed since she won the gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin last August, sparking a major row about her gender.

The IAAF claim they are still investigating the results and has refused to confirm or deny reports that the tests indicate Semenya has both male and female sex organs.


Related stories
February 2010:
 Semenya will not run on South African circuit
January 2010: Semenya lawyer claims her rights are being infringed again
January 2010: Semenya plans to start competing again this month
December 2009: Semenya to sue IAAF and ASA in multi-million dollar lawsuits
November 2009: No secret deal with Semenya, IAAF insist