Semenya cannot compete until gender case is resolved

South African runner Caster Semenya will not be allowed to compete until a resolution has been reached in her gender case, the country's athletics association said yesterday.

Semenya underwent gender verification tests after she won the women's 800 metres at the Berlin world championships last August, following a rapid improvement in her performances. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has yet to reveal the results of the tests.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) administrator Ray Mali said the 19-year-old athlete would be allowed to race only once the IAAF had cleared her.

"We can only allow her to participate in events once we get clarity from the IAAF, not at this stage," Mali told Reuters.

South African media yesterday quoted Semenya's coach Michael Seme as saying she was preparing to participate in a local series event beginning on February 19.

Mali said he would push for a decision from the IAAF but until then Semenya would be restricted to training with other athletes.

Semenya's father Jacob was also unable to confirm whether she would be competing or not.

"Whether she runs or not, only God knows," he told Reuters.