South Africa’s athletics body calls for inquiry into its handling of sex test case

SAfrica track body wants sex test case studied

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s national track body has called for a commission of inquiry into its handling of Caster Semenya’s case.

Athletics South Africa has been criticized for failing to protect the runner whose sex has been questioned. It is unclear whether officials from ASA were involved in tests done on Semenya in South Africa.

The ASA said in a statement Thursday that an inquiry would ensure the organization operated in the “best interests of all its athletes.”

The body also will appear before parliament next week to explain its role in the matter.

The International Association of Athletics Federations has refused to confirm or deny Australian media reports saying sex tests show that the women’s 800-meter world champion has both male and female characteristics.