Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she has “never really felt very supported” by other women in sport.
South Africa’s three-time world 800m champion will not defend her title in Doha in September after a setback in her challenge to the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners.
“I’m targeted because I’m undefeated,” the 28-year-old said.
“Since I have been in sport, I have never really felt very supported, I’ve never felt recognised mostly by women.”
Talking as the headline speaker at a women’s conference in Johannesburg, Semenya added: “I think it comes more into the international stage when you see your own rivals come with this, what can I call it, these rude responses in terms of me competing against them.”
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Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she has “never really felt very supported” by other women in sport.
South Africa’s three-time world 800m champion will not defend her title in Doha in September after a setback in her challenge to the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners.
“I’m targeted because I’m undefeated,” the 28-year-old said.
“Since I have been in sport, I have never really felt very supported, I’ve never felt recognised mostly by women.”
Talking as the headline speaker at a women’s conference in Johannesburg, Semenya added: “I think it comes more into the international stage when you see your own rivals come with this, what can I call it, these rude responses in terms of me competing against them.”