Caster Semanya, 18, of South African, became the woman world 800m champion by finishing in 1 minute 55.45 seconds. But doubts as to whether Semanya is male or female is being raised. The International Association of Athletics Federations has demanded a gender test to determine her sex.

The South African athetics federation says it has no doubt that she is a female.

Apparently the gender test is a very complex procedure. It involves an endocrinologist, a gynaecologist and expert in internal medice, as well a a psychologist and a gender expert.

You would have thought that the distinction between male and female is reasonably clear-cut!

Gender in Athletics

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