Semenya underwent gender verification tests after she won the women's 800 metres at the Berlin world championships last August, following a rapid improvement in her performances. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has yet to reveal the results of the tests.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) administrator Ray Mali said the 19-year-old athlete would be allowed to race only once the IAAF had cleared her. "We can only allow her to participate in events once we get clarity from the IAAF, not at this stage," Mali told Reuters.
Local media on Thursday quoted Semenya's coach Michael Seme as saying she was preparing to participate in a local series event beginning on Feb 19. Mali said he would push for a decision from the IAAF but until then Semenya would be restricted to training with other athletes.
Published 14 January 2010, 16:12 IST