Caster Semenya is a favorite for gold in Rio, and not without controversy.
The powerful South African runner won silver in the women’s 800 meters in London, and her body type and times have found plenty of critics, drug tests and even gender tests.
The success of Semenya, 25, has led to intense discussions on gender, testosterone, and other biological issues in competition, with advocates and detractors.
One of those advocates is a former Olympian and professor. Here’s his take from a fascinating article from the Associated Press:Former Olympic runner Bruce Kidd, a professor of physical education and an adviser to Chand, opposes the testosterone-limiting rule. He argues that the testosterone is natural in these women, and although men produce more of it, “there is nothing to say that testosterone is a male hormone.”
“Dutee and Caster are (competing) with their own chemicals,” Kidd said. “They are fully in keeping with the Olympic spirit of being true to yourself and playing without doping. So why are they being castigated for that? I think it is so unfair.”Follow @NicholasMendola