Running Star Hits a Road Block

There is always controversy when you mix women and sports, especially in sports that have been labeled "men's" sports by the general public and women succeed over their male counterparts. The latest upset among the sports community centers around new South African running star Caster Semenya.

Semenya crushed her rivals and won the women's world 800 meter title, making it the best time for the 800 meter in the world this year. Apparently, the controversy is over Semenya's "masculine" appearance, pared with her outstanding achievements in her racing this year.

Sports officials have now asked for the 18-year-old's gender to be verified, accusing her of lying about her gender. They have planned to conduct a gender identification test to either prove or disprove their suspicions.

I really feel all of this hubbub about whether Semenya is a "true" woman or not is overshadowing her outstanding performance. And all of this is just based on a "feeling" that sports officials have, completely based on how she looks.

I see a trend in this story that is similar to many other situations when a woman succeeds in something that is normal deemed a "male" field or when a woman "looks" masculine. Similar to the blog post I wrote yesterday on women's self-image and bodies, we need to wake up and realize that women come in many difference forms and appearances, just like men. And when women do something good, we shouldn't ask questions or try to devalue their accomplishments. Just congratulate them.

Photo courtesy of jimw on flikr.com