Johannesburg, South Africa: Retail giant SPAR has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that South African Olympian Caster Semenya was denied a fair trial by Switzerland’s legal system. The ruling marks a significant milestone in Semenya’s ongoing legal battle against regulations requiring athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) to medically alter their natural hormone levels in order to compete.
The decision does not directly overturn the DSD regulations but opens the way for further legal challenge.
SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, says SPAR is solidly behind Semenya in her quest for the right to compete without being forced to take drugs to alter her testosterone levels welcomes the ruling by the ECHR.
“We support Caster in her battle to be treated fairly. SPAR supports equal rights for women in all areas. Caster is a much-loved figure in South Africa and is a firm supporter of the SPAR Women’s Challenge and the SPAR Grand Prix. We wish her every success in her ongoing legal battle,” said Maubane.
“The ECHR ruling means she can continue to fight for her rights.”