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Semenya announces return date

Caster Semenya has never been banned from competition by the IAAF © Getty Images

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World 800-metre champion Caster Semenya has confirmed she will return to competition in June.

The South African has not competed since she stormed to victory in Berlin last summer but was subsequently involved in a gender row. She initially agreed not to compete while the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) conducted its investigations, but after nine months with no conclusion, she intends to return to the track at the Gobierno de Aragon meeting in Spain.

In a statement released on Tuesday she announced her plans: "Together with my coach and agent, I have therefore decided that I will return to competitive athletics at the EAA (European Athletic Association) meeting to be held on 24 June in Zaragoza, Spain.

"I reiterate that, based on medical and legal advice, I am firmly of the view there are no impediments to me racing in female athletics competitions."

Semenya, who last week accused the IAAF of damaging her career, also confirmed that she would not be taking legal action against Athletics South Africa after she was barred from a competition in Stellenbosch last week.

"I believe the decision to bar me from competing in Stellenbosch last week was unlawful and wrongful," she said. "I have, however, considered the request by Athletics South Africa that I await the conclusion of the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) processes by the beginning of June this year before I return to competitive athletics.

"I welcome ASA's public statement it will ensure the IAAF is held to its undertaking to complete its processes by the beginning of June."

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