Consequently, Athletics South Africa wishes to publicly and unconditionally apologise to Caster Semenya and her family, the President of South Africa as well as to all South Africans for the handling of her gender verification processes and the subsequent aftermath.
ASA’s board will lead a delegation to meet with Caster, her family and government for discussions on the matter. Athletics South Africa hopes that this will bring closure to a very unpleasant episode for Caster.
In addition, ASA are fully prepared to co-operate with any legitimate body that seeks to get closure on this sensitive matter. Further to this, ASA is willing to make presentations to the Minister of Sport and Recreation to explain the actions taken by ASA officials prior, during and after the competition in Berlin if requested.
ASA will also discuss with the Ministry ways in which the administration of sport can be improved. Our proposals also focus on improved management of relationships with key stakeholders, including international sporting federations such as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
ASA remain convinced that more can still be done to improve the profile of athletics to the point where it enhances our national reputation.
ASA remains fully committed to its mandate of unifying, transforming and developing the sport of athletics in our country. Where the events of the recent past have caused divisions in our structures, we will take all the necessary steps to remedy this and to continue as a stronger and unified federation. We are ready and willing to deal with any future challenges relating to the successful transformation and performance improvement in South African sport.
ASA is involved in the planning of events to celebrate the great achievements of our athletes, especially our medallists, Caster Semenya, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Khotso Mokoena in recent international competitions. These include the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, the IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships and the IAAF Marathon World Cup in Berlin.
ASA will also support and participate in any other initiatives that seek to celebrate the successes of our athletes.
Release Ends
For further information please contact:
CHRIS BRITZ
0836504767