Semenya fails to make Olympic qualifying mark in the 5,000m

From all indications Caster Semenya will be watching this year’s Olympics from the comfort of her home as she failed in her  latest attempt to achieve the Olympic qualifying time for the 5,000m.

The South African was fourth in running 15:50.12 in Belgium as she failed to make the 15:10.00 qualifying mark.

Semenya would not have been allowed to compete in Tokyo even if she had made the time as the deadline was 29 June.

“We did double check with World Athletics about the deadline and it was cast in stone,” said Athletics South Africa spokesman Sifiso Cele.

“There would have been no special grace for Caster.”

read also Caster Semenya misses 5000m qualifying standard again

Semenya previously ran 15:52.28 in April, 15:32.15 in May and 15:57.12 earlier this month

The 30-year-old won gold over 800m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and is a three-time world champion in the event.

However, she is not allowed to compete in events between 400m and one mile without taking testosterone-reducing drugs, following a rule introduced by World Athletics in 2019.

Semenya staunchly refuses to take testosterone-reducing drugs, arguing it could endanger her health and that the ruling denies her and other athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) the right to rely on their natural athletic abilities.