On July 11, 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the World Athletics violated Caster Semenya's human rights rules that forced her to medically reduce her natural hormone levels to compete in major competitions. The ECHR found that the rules were discriminatory and did not consider Semenya's circumstances.
The ECHR's ruling is a welcome development for Semenya and for other intersex athletes who have been affected by World Athletics rules. However, the case is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether World Athletics can uphold its rules or whether Semenya can compete in the 800 meters.
World Athletics stated that it stands firm in its Differences in Sex Development (DSD) regulations appealing the ruling to the Grand Chamber of the ECHR, and a decision is expected in early 2024. If the verdict is upheld, World Athletics must change its rules or face legal action from Semenya.
In the meantime, Semenya is still barred from competing in her favorite event, the 800 meters, under the current World Athletics rules. She has said that she is determined to continue fighting for her right to compete, and she has not ruled out the possibility of taking legal action against World Athletics.
Also worth noting, in June 2023, Semenya announced that she was switching to 5,000 meters event to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The current World Athletics DSD rules do not apply to 5,000 meters allowing Semenya to compete without forced discrimination and violation.