South African teen wins 800 amid gender-test flap

By RYAN LUCAS, Associated Press Writer

BERLIN (AP)—Facing questions about her gender, South African teenager Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal Wednesday at the world championships.

Semenya’s dominating run came on the same day track and field’s ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

Semenya took the lead at the halfway mark and opened a commanding lead in the last 400 meters to win by a massive 2.45 seconds in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds. Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second and Jennifer Meadows of Britain was third in 1:57.93.

About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius.

Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender. Before the race, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies stressed this is a “medical issue, not an issue of cheating.” He said the “extremely complex, difficult” test has begun but results were not expected for weeks.

The test requires a physical medical evaluation and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal medicine specialist and gender expert.

South Africa team manager Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane would not confirm or deny that Semenya was having such a test.

“We entered Caster as a woman and we want to keep it that way,” Mlangeni-Tsholetsane said. “Our conscience is clear in terms of Caster. We have no reservations at all about that.”

Although medals will be awarded for the 800, the race remains under a cloud until the investigation is closed, and Semenya could be stripped of the gold depending on the test results, IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss said.

“But today there is no proof and the benefit of doubt must always be in favor of the athlete,” Weiss said.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE IS? MALE OR FEMALE?

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

RIP K-SWIFT!!!!!!

28 year old DJ K-Swift of Baltimore’s 92Q died early this morning. She was one of the most well know DJ’s on the station and in the radio business.

We are deeply saddened and it is our deepest regret to inform you that the 92Q family, the music industry, and the community has suffered an incredible loss. Early Monday morning, Khia Edgerton, better known as, K-Swift, passed away.
K-Swift has been with 92Q for ten years and in that time she grew to become one of our most popular DJs and known throughout the world as the Baltimore club queen.
She leaves behind a mother, a sister, and a large extended family.
This is terrible loss and a terrible day for 92Q and the entire community.
As a tribute to K-Swift, 92Q will be running without on air personalities for the rest of the day and airing special memories of K-Swift. If you would like to share your thoughts and memories of K-Swift, please call 410-907-0411.
Thank you for keeping K-Swift’s family and the 92Q family in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE: It was confirmed and announced a few minutes ago by a member of the 92Q fam that K-Swift’s cause of death was that she suffered a broken neck at her pool party last night either because of or before she entered her pool.