Mawande Mateza14 May 2024 | 8:40

Sports Dept hopeful European rights court will rule in Semenya's favour

On Wednesday, Semenya is set to today present her arguments in France in the case against World Athletics’ Regulations requiring her to take medication to lower her testosterone levels.

Sports Dept hopeful European rights court will rule in Semenya's favour

Double Olympic champion, Caster Semenya during an interview with Cape Talk.

JOHANNESBURG - The Sports Department says it is hopeful the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will rule in double Olympic champion Caster Semenya’s favour.

On Wednesday, Semenya is set to present her arguments in France in the case against World Athletics Regulations requiring her to take medication to lower her testosterone levels.

Semenya is approaching the last hurdle in her long and costly battle, dating back to 2018 when the rules were first introduced.

ALSO READ: European rights court to make final decision on Semenya

The champion's fight is against discrimination and the violation of her privacy, costing her in excess of R30 million.

She has received overwhelming support at home from the Sports Ministry, the Commission for Gender Equality and other social justice organisations.

In a statement, the sports department’s acting director-general, Cynthia Khumalo, said a win for Semenya in court will reflect the principles of fairness, equality and inclusion.

A final decision is not expected for months, and in the event that the 17 judges in the chamber decide in Semenya’s favour, it’s unlikely that World Athletics will be required to change their regulations immediately.

The court's ruling is definitive and cannot be appealed.