Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya has expressed gratitude after winning her discrimination case against the ruling handed down by the government of Switzerland at the European Rights Court on Tuesday, 11 July. 

In a statement shared by the 32-year-old on her social media platforms on Wednesday, Semenya says that the judgement means the world to her. 

“I am elated at the outcome of the ruling. It has been a long time coming. I have and will always stand up for discrimination of any kind in sport. I have suffered a lot at the hands of the powers that be and been treated poorly. The hard work that I have put in to being the athlete I am has been questioned. My rights violated. My career impacted. All of it so damaging. Mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.”

Semenya continued as she thanked her legal team, “I am so grateful to Gregory Nott from Norton Rose Fullbright, and my legal team that he has put together. They have given of their time and expertise, and tirelessly fought for this cause, because they believe in me and stand for what is right.

“Justice has spoken but this is only the beginning. My case at the European Court of Human Rights was against the ruling handed down by the government of Switzerland, and not World Athletics itself, but this decision will still be significant for all sportspersons in throwing doubt on the future of all similar rules. My hope is that World Athletics, and indeed all sporting bodies reflect on the statements made by the European Court of Human Rights and ensure that they respect the dignity and human rights of the athletes they deal with.”