Athletics
AGAIN, SOUTH AFRICA BLASTS SEBASTIAN COE, IAAF
BY JAMES DIAMOND
Athletics South Africa (ASA) has attacked the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and its President Sebastian Coe for repeatedly commenting on Caster Semenya’s appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), claiming their statements put them in breach of confidentiality agreements.
The CAS is deliberating on what it has labelled one of the most “pivotal” cases in its history and a verdict is expected by the end of this month.
Semenya, a double Olympic and triple world champion
over 800 metres, is challenging the IAAF which is hoping to bring in new rules
on female participation.
The IAAF claims the South African and other female runners with high testosterone levels, who compete between 400m and the mile, must either take medication or compete against men.
According to the IAAF, this is to create a level playing field but the 28-year-old Semenya and others have argued the testosterone in her body is naturally occurring and so to ban her would be unfair.
The IAAF was first accused of breaking rules related to the case when prior to the start of proceedings in Lausanne, the governing body released a list of expert witnesses it was set to call.
Semenya’s lawyers described the release as a “clear breach” of confidentiality rules and labelled it an attempt to influence public opinion, before releasing their own list of witnesses the next day.
Now, ASA has accused the IAAF of breaking rules once again, after its President Sebastian Coe gave an interview to the Daily Telegraph in Australia, in which he said their proposed rule was necessary to protect the women’s category.
“The reason we have gender classification is because if you didn’t then no woman would ever win another title or another medal or break another record in our sport,” he was quoted as saying.
The ASA has since released a statement saying it was “not amused” by his comments.
“’The concern arises from confidentiality agreements entered into by the parties to the arbitration, namely the IAAF, Caster Semenya and ASA,” said ASA in a statement published on its website.
“Notwithstanding such an agreement, the IAAF has on several occasions (in breach of the agreement) issued public statements on matters relating to, and arising from, the regulations.
“ASA would have preferred an open and transparent hearing of the matter given the (legitimate) global interest therein, but was persuaded that medically sensitive issues, and in particular, privacy issues relating to Ms Semenya, would arise during the proceedings, and that a closed and confidential hearing was appropriate.
“Notwithstanding the agreement, the IAAF has on several occasions issued media releases and its President has seen fit to comment publicly on matters relating to the regulations.
“A few days ago, the following remarks were attributed to Seb Coe that appeared in the Australian Daily Telegraph: ‘The reason we have gender classification is that if you didn’t then no woman would ever run another title or another medal or break another record in our sport’.
“We support the rebuke issued by Ms Semenya’s lawyers.
“We agree that the DSD [differences of sexual development] regulations are discriminatory on a number of bases including birth, sex, gender, physical appearance and the fact they are restricted to specific events (namely 400m to a mile).
“Ms Semenya was born, raised and has participated in athletics as a woman and identifies as a woman.
“The regulations attempt to classify her and other female DSDs as ‘biologically male’ or as having a male ‘sports sex’.
“The regulations are nothing other than a further attempt (like other scientifically discredited attempts in the past) at so-called gender verification testing.”
Semenya’s lawyers said Coe had “reopened old wounds” with his comments, reiterating that the South African is a woman and suggesting that therefore, to ban her from women’s competition in order to protect women does not make sense.
ASA took the opportunity in their statement, as Semenya’s lawyers also did, to separate Semenya’s case from the issue of transgender athletes in sport.
“Any public comment or discourse linking the transgender debate to the pending matter before the CAS is unhelpful, serving only to reinforce by implication a false position that DSD athletes are biologically male,” they said.
“The delay in handing down the CAS award [due originally by March 26], is entirely due to the IAAF seeking to amend the regulations post the CAS hearing.
“This necessitated a further exchange of written argument between the parties.
“ASA calls upon the IAAF and its President, Seb Coe, to refrain from further public comment pending the outcome of the CAS award due towards the end of April 2019.
“In doing so, ASA, however, respects the right of third parties and the media to openly debate issues arising from the IAAF’s DSD Regulations.
“It is indeed in the public interest that they do so.
“ASA hopes it is done responsibly and sensitively with due regard to the rights of the parties concerned, especially that of Ms Semenya.”
In response, the IAAF told insidethegames it agreed that third parties and the media had a right to openly debate the issue “and that it should be done responsibly and sensibly”.
“It is with this in mind that the IAAF continues to respond to media enquires on the issue, on statements released and, where necessary, correcting incorrect information,” the IAAF said.
In response to ASA’s accusation that it was the IAAF’s fault a verdict had been delayed, an IAAF spokesperson referred to a statement released by the CAS on March 21, in which it was said all parties had agreed on the delay.
“We are unable to share evidence and information provided to CAS whilst deliberations are ongoing,” the IAAF added.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch in the city of Abeokuta. The countdown to the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships is in its final stretch.
There are just two days to go before the opening events.
Delegations from across the continent have begun arriving in Nigeria. Teams from South Sudan, Seychelles, and Congo are among the latest to touch down.
Their arrival is ahead of the eagerly anticipated youth athletics showcase. Their arrival is adding to the electric atmosphere already building in the Ogun State capital.
The event is set to take place at the MKO Abiola Arena from July 16 to 20. The championships will bring together Africa’s most promising young athletes. It promises to be a thrilling week of top-tier competition.
African athletics powerhouses such as Egypt, Botswana, and South Africa have also arrived in Abeokuta. They are finalising their preparations with high expectations. These nations are fielding some of the continent’s brightest prospects. They are tipped to deliver standout performances on both track and field.
With over 43 countries and nearly 1,000 athletes and officials expected, the event marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics. It reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.
The official start is set for July 16, with preliminary heats, opening ceremonies, and cultural festivities expected to captivate fans, athletes, and dignitaries alike.
The 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships not only highlight Africa’s depth of youth talent but also serve as a platform for future global stars to shine.
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Athletics
DR Congo Athletes Arrive in Lagos as Countdown to African U18/U20 Athletics Championships Begins
With just four days to go, excitement is building for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships as the first batch of international athletes touched down in Nigeria on Saturday morning.
Athletes from the Democratic Republic of Congo were the early birds, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to officially kick-start arrivals for the much-anticipated continental event scheduled for Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Congolese delegation was warmly received by the Local Organising Committee’s (LOC) protocol team, led by Arabirin Aderonke, Head of Protocol.
The team ensured a smooth and hospitable welcome, reflecting Nigeria’s renowned spirit of warmth and organisation.
“We are excited to receive the first set of athletes arriving for the championship,” said Arabirin Aderonke.
“This marks the beginning of what promises to be a historic and memorable competition.
“Our protocol teams are fully mobilised at the airports to ensure a smooth experience for all arriving delegations, as the National Sports Commission had demanded excellence from every subcommittee in the LOC.”
The DR Congo athletes, visibly delighted by the reception, were swiftly processed and escorted to their base ahead of the tournament, which will run from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.
The African U18/U20 Athletics Championships will bring together over 40 African nations, showcasing the continent’s rising stars in track and field events. With preparations entering the final stretch, the arrival of the first team signals the start of what is expected to be a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, will take centre stage as it hosts the 3rd edition of the African U18/U20 Athletics Championship from July 16 to 20, 2025.
The event, scheduled to take place at the iconic MKO Abiola International Stadium, promises five thrilling days of world-class youth athletics action.
Organized by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) in partnership with the National Sports Commission, Ogun State Government, and corporate sponsors such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), and LEDCO Limited, the championship will bring together some of the continent’s most promising young talents.
A Packed Athletics Schedule
The competition opens on Wednesday, July 16, with an afternoon session featuring U18 athletes.
Fans will be treated to a variety of events, including the 100m heats, 1500m final, high jump final, triple jump final, and distance races such as the 3,000m and 10,000m across categories.
Day 2 (Thursday, July 17) will deliver a full slate of competition with 110m hurdles heats, long jump qualifications, and the highly anticipated 400m finals for both U18 and U20 categories.
The day will also feature the 100m semi-finals and finals for all age groups, along with the U20 1500m finals and women’s discus final.
Friday’s (Day 3) action starts with the 400m finals for U18 boys and girls, while the field events will include pole vault and hammer throw contests.
The afternoon session heats up with the U18 100m hurdles final, U20 men’s 400m final, high jump, javelin throw, and 4x100m relay heats for the U20 men.
Saturday (Day 4) opens with 200m and 800m heats across both age categories. The afternoon brings the 200m semi-finals, the 5,000m final, and the finals of the 4x100m relays — often one of the most anticipated events of any championship.
The curtain will fall on Sunday, July 20, with a grand finale that includes field events like discus, javelin, and long jump.
The spotlight will then shift to the final sprints and relays — 200m finals for men and women, 800m finals, the U20 men’s long jump final, and the 4x400m relays. The championship will close with a medal ceremony and official closing rites.
Showcasing Africa’s Future Stars
This championship not only provides a competitive platform for Africa’s rising track and field stars but also serves as a vital talent pipeline for future continental and global athletics stages.
With hundreds of athletes from across Africa expected to participate, Abeokuta will become a vibrant hub of youthful athletic excellence and continental camaraderie.
As the spotlight turns to Ogun State, all eyes will be on the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the future of African athletics will be on full display.
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