Caster Semenya Case Shows Bigotry and Hatred Alive and Well

South African running sensation and world champion, Caster Semenya has, in my view, been treated so heinously by both the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the international media of late I’ve begun to wonder if any of those at that august organization, or any of the members of the media who have used the "leaks" to write their articles actually have human souls.

Certainly their callous disregard to the damage they’re doing to this young woman (and regardless of the results of the tests she’s been forced to undergo she is a woman) is incredible. Whether they mouth platitudes about how they’re just trying to reach the truth, they’ve shown almost no awareness of how badly they’ve slighted Semenya.

There is a controversy, and it’s understandable that those with the responsibility of upholding the standards and integrity of the sport would want to make sure those standards are being met, and that the integrity of the sport isn’t damaged.

That being said, as South African officials, including South Africa’s Athletics President, Leonard Chuene, have stated, the IAAF has mishandled this case by violating its own rules in regard to privacy, and that is unforgivable when it concerns the life of such a young woman.

When the results are finally revealed, if the rumors and "leaks" are confirmed, I’m still not sure I’d be in agreement with the overwhelming consensus that Semenya should be banned from the sport.

To me, as one medical expert stated on a television piece on the issue the other day had to say, this is not a case where she’s even a hermaphrodite, with both male and female genitalia. It’s simply a defect of birth.

That’s all it is. She’s someone who has a birth defect. A defect that apparently gives her an advantage in sports. Yet, doesn’t Lance Armstrong’s large heart give him an advantage in his sport?

Doesn’t Usain Bolt’s incredibly long legs give him an advantage? Doesn’t every GREAT athlete’s many "gifts" or "defects" or whatever you want to call them, give them advantages over their competitors?

Where’s the difference? In fact, where’s the real controversy. The IAAF and the international media like the Sydney Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald have made this one, but I fail to see why it really is.

To me, their stances border on bigotry and hatred, and they can couch it in niceties like “We’re just trying to preserve the integrity of the sport.” all they want and it won’t change my view of it.

Bigotry and hatred have no place in sports; ever. The fact this bigotry and hatred is even being allowed in the manner it is makes me feel these people need a serious lesson on that score. Here’s hoping someone gives it to them.