Court Rules in Favor of Caster Semenya: Landmark Win for Athlete’s Rights in Sports Eligibility Debate

For over seven years, Caster Semenya, a celebrated South African middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist, has been at the center of a global debate on sex eligibility in sports. Semenya, who is a cisgender woman with differences in sexual development (DSD) and naturally high testosterone levels, was barred from competing in women’s middle-distance events by World Athletics unless she agreed to undergo medical interventions to reduce her hormone levels. Semenya refused such treatments and has fought a protracted legal battle, arguing that the regulations are discriminatory and violate her human rights .

On July 10, 2025, the ECHR ruled 15-2 in Semenya’s favor, finding that Switzerland’s Supreme Court failed to provide her with a sufficiently rigorous judicial review of her appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) 2019 decision. The CAS had previously upheld World Athletics’ policy on testosterone limits, which effectively ended Semenya’s competitive career in the women’s 800-meter event. The ECHR awarded Semenya 80,000 euros (about $94,000) in costs and expenses, and ordered that her case return to the Swiss federal court in Lausanne for renewed consideration .

The ECHR’s decision does not overturn the current World Athletics regulations regarding testosterone levels, nor does it directly address the broader question of whether such policies are inherently discriminatory. However, it marks a critical affirmation of Semenya’s right to fair legal process and has reenergized conversations about inclusivity, bodily autonomy, and human rights in competitive sports .

In a statement following the ruling, Semenya celebrated the court’s recognition of her rights, saying, “Today, my patience in this journey has been rewarded with a result that will pave the way for all athletes’ human rights to be protected.” She has consistently framed her fight as being about principle and the rights of future generations of athletes, particularly women born with naturally occurring biological variations .

Advocates for LGBTQ+ and intersex rights have widely supported Semenya’s case, viewing it as central to the ongoing struggle against policies that police bodies and identities in sport. Many argue that such regulations disproportionately impact women of color and those with intersex variations, reinforcing exclusionary practices under the guise of fairness .

The ECHR’s ruling is expected to reignite global discussions about how sports bodies define eligibility for women’s events and the balance between ensuring fair competition and respecting athletes’ rights. While World Athletics and other organizations have argued that testosterone limits are necessary to maintain a level playing field, critics highlight the lack of robust scientific consensus on the impact of natural hormone variations and question the ethics of mandating medical intervention for participation .

The case also has implications beyond track and field, as other sports federations have adopted or are considering similar eligibility criteria. The outcome of Semenya’s renewed appeal could set a precedent for how sports institutions worldwide approach issues of sex, gender, and inclusion moving forward .

For now, Semenya’s partial victory is being hailed as a step toward greater respect for the dignity and diversity of all athletes, particularly those whose bodies and identities challenge rigid, binary definitions. As the legal process continues, LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on sports organizations to meaningfully engage with affected athletes and communities, and to center human rights in all future policy decisions.