Semenya cleared

JOHANNESBURG (AP):

Caster Semenya was cleared to return to competitive athletics by the IAAF yesterday, ending an 11-month lay-off while she underwent gender verification tests after becoming the 800-metre world champion.

"The process initiated in 2009 in the case of Caster Semenya has now been completed," athletics' world governing body said in a statement. "The IAAF accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that she can compete with immediate effect."

Semenya released a statement saying she was happy to be able to race again.

"I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me," Semenya said.

The IAAF said the medical details of the 19-year-old South African's case would remain confidential and it will make no further comment on the matter.

It is still unclear if the runner has undergone any medical procedure or treatment during her lengthy lay-off, which have cleared her to keep running as a woman, or what the conditions of the settlement are.

Fitness test pending

Richard Stander of Athletics South Africa (ASA) said Semenya would now be considered for the World Junior Championships starting July 19 in Moncton, Canada, pending a fitness test in Pretoria today as requested by ASA.

However, Stander said the African championships in Kenya in late July and the Commonwealth Games in India in October were more realistic targets for Semenya's return, considering her long absence from competition.

"Of course we are happy," Stander said. "When an athlete cannot compete, it is frustrating for them and frustrating for us as a federation."

Semenya had earlier spoken to The Associated Press by phone soon after the IAAF's decision was released.

"I don't feel anything," Semenya said.

Semenya's lawyers said in a statement that the negotiations with the IAAF had been lengthy and were held all over the world after she had been "stopped" from competing.

"Our direct negotiations with the IAAF representatives, through the mediator, have been ongoing for 10 months," said Greg Nott, managing partner of Dewey and LeBoeuf's Johannesburg office and one of Semenya's closest advisers.