Caster Semenya clears the air about gender in new book

Caster Semenya has published a new book, filled with untold stories about her life and her career, and it takes a moment to address the long-running speculation about her gender.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya is on the cusp of releasing her first-ever book. Titled The Race to Be Myself: A Memoir, the book will tell the stories of Semenya’s 15-year-long career including her challenges, controversies, losses and victories.

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The 32-year-old athlete has faced a difficult 18 months following a lengthy battle with World Athletics about her fitness to compete in women’s events. In 2019 She was barred from competing in her chosen track-and-field women’s disciplines unless she agreed to undergo hormonal treatment.

This follows a career that has seen her in the spotlight over questions about her genetics. Despite this, Semenya has stood her ground and is proud and loud about the gender she identifies as.

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CASTER SEMENYA SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

For as long as we’ve known her, Semenya’s sexuality and gender have been at the forefront of the media conversation. From “transgender” to “intersex”, many onlookers have tried to label her gender and part of this speculation may have led to the intense scrutiny she’s faced from sports bodies like the IAAF over her eligibility to run against other women.

Nonetheless, in her new memoir, the Limpopo-born athlete has taken a moment to set the record straight. She declares that she is a woman – and proudly so.

ALSO READ: ‘Finally telling my truth’: Caster Semenya to release memoir

“From day one, I’ve understood I’m a different woman.” wrote Semenya in an edited extract from her book published in the New York Times. She continues, “Even though I understand that those in the medical community call me an intersex person because of the way my internal organs are structured, I do not call myself intersex. That identity doesn’t fit me; it doesn’t fit my soul.”

Caster Semenya set to release her new Book on 31 October. Titled 'Caster Semenya: The Race to be myself ' pic.twitter.com/51ZcQsA2sr

— Hot Topics Mzansi (@HotTopicsMzansi) October 24, 2023

WHAT NEXT FOR MOKGADI?

The year 2023 proved to be an important one for Semenya and her fans which saw her finally overturn the verdict made by both World Athletics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Although it remains to be seen when she can compete again, her followers will be eager to get their hands on her memoir when it hits shelves on 31 October 2023.

ALSO READ: HBD! Caster Semenya celebrates daughter’s 2nd birthday [photos]

In the meantime, the athlete who also goes by her birthname, Mokgadi, continues to enjoy a quiet life away from the media with her wife Violet and their daughter.