Semenya tests 'must be annulled'

Caster Semenya has not been allowed to speak to the media

South Africa's governing African National Congress has called for the results of gender tests carried out on runner Caster Semenya to be annulled.

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ordered the tests after she won the 800m gold medal at the World Championships in August.

The ANC said the IAAF had violated its own procedures in handling the case.

The test results are due next month, but leaked reports say they show Ms Semenya is both male and female.

There has been widespread anger in South Africa about the way the athlete has been treated.

South Africa's own athletics body, the ASA, has also come in for criticism of its handling of the row. Its president initially denied knowing that Ms Semenya had been asked to take a gender test even before travelling to the World Championships in Berlin.

Among the points the ANC raised was the failure of the IAAF to keep the matter confidential, as its gender policy verification policy demands.

"Nick Davis, the IAAF spokesperson, disclosed in a press conference publicly that such tests will be conducted on Caster," the ANC said in a statement published on its website.

"The alleged tests results were also leaked to the international media.

"We therefore call for the nullification of the results as they have been compromised, as they cannot be used for any decision-making."

Ms Semenya won the world title in a personal best of one minute, 55.45 seconds, two seconds clear of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei.