Praise and celebrations were the order of the day on Thursday, after the European Court of Human Rights upheld a 2023 ruling which favoured South Africa’s Olympian, Caster Semenya.
The court found World Athletics and Switzerland’s legal system at fault for unfairness and discriminating against Semenya.
The recent legal victory comes as the talented athlete has since been barred from defending her 800m title since 2018.
The Sports Ministry described the ruling as a critical step towards upholding the dignity and human rights of female athletes.
“Caster, we as South Africa have always stood by you, and we will continue to do so as the fight for your bodily rights continues.
Through the current Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and former Department of Sports and Recreation, a coordinated and multi-sectoral response was established that included expert panels in the legal, medical and advocacy spheres,” read a statement from the department.
The department renewed its promise to continue working with Athletics South Africa, legal experts and other federations in Africa, to pursue justice for Semenya.
Furthermore, the EU ordered the Switzerland government to pay Semenya 80 000 euros (R1 million) for legal costs.
The Olympian took to X on Friday, expressing what she felt was like a new beginning.
“Waking up this morning only to realise what I have just done after 15 years.
The feeling is like it’s just the beginning of demonstrating the kind of leadership and sports governance I want to see when I take my role,” Semenya wrote.
Fans flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages and their eagerness to see Semenya grace the tracks again and rise to excellence.
@johny_theblessd wrote “What a win, congratulations you must be determined.”
Others applauded her for standing her ground, in a sector dominated by men.
“O Mokgadi ka nnete,” commented @Ronewa_Mathephe.
@juliette_morrow commented, “Congratulations Caster! You are an inspiration, graceful in the face of unkind and unjust behavior! I am proud to call you South African and a woman.”
