Rumors that gold medallist Caster Semenya is not a woman are wrong and ill-spirited, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday. Briefing journalists in Pretoria after meeting "golden girl" Semenya and her fellow medal-winning athletes Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Khotso Mokoena, Zuma said Semenya showcased women's achievements, power and strength.
"Miss Semenya had also reminded the world of the importance of the right to human dignity and privacy which should be enjoyed by all human beings," he said.
In recognition of the supremacy of these rights, the government wished to register its displeasure at the manner in which Semenya was treated.
Zuma said Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile had written to the International Association of Athletics Federations, which decided that Semenya should undergo gender testing.
He said the ministry would follow up on the matter.
"It is one thing to seek to ascertain whether or not an athlete has an unfair advantage over others, but it is another to publicly humiliate an honest, professional and competent athlete." he said,
Zuma said the rumors about her being a man were "wrong" and dampened the spirit of the young people.
"It was started deliberately to cause a kind of confusion and dampen the spirits of the country unnecessarily," he said.
South African athletes Khotso Mokoena (L), Caster Semenya (2nd L) and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi (R) show off their medals to President Jacob Zuma at the presidential guest house in Pretoria August 25, 2009. Semenya, whose victory has been overshadowed by a gender testing row, returned home to a heroine's welcome on Tuesday. Furious South Africans have accused the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) of everything from racism to imperialism for ordering the test after her rapid improvement over the last year raised its suspicions
【体坛英语资讯:Rumors about Semenya wrong: Zuma】相关文章:
★ 体坛英语资讯:Chelsea boss Mourinho leaves club
★ 体坛资讯:Henin wins 3rd consecutive French Open title
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Katie Holmes runs NYC marathon
★ 体坛英语资讯:Officials: Player swaps help golf grow in China
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Christina Aguilera reveals baby son pics
★ 体坛英语资讯:FA hold talks with Capello
★ 体坛英语资讯:No problems after Ronaldo operation - surgeon
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Brangelina ready for another kid
★ 体坛英语资讯:Female Yao a head above the rest
★ 体坛英语资讯:Croatia bullish, Germany relieved at Euro 2008
最新
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15