South African athlete Caster Semenya free to compete

Pretoria, 07 July-(ANA)-South African athlete Caster Semenya has been given the all-clear to return to competition by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The 19-year-old world 800m champion has been out of the sport for 11 months after undergoing gender tests.

"The IAAF accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that she can compete with immediate effect," said a statement from the athletics body.

"Please note that the medical details of the case remain confidential."

Semenya could now choose to compete in the World Junior Championships in Canada later in July, with October's Commonwealth Games likely to be her main focus this season.

The teenager said "I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me."

Semenya's lawyer Greg Nott said negotiations with the IAAF regarding her return to action had been a lengthy process.

"Our direct negotiations with the IAAF representatives, through the mediator, have been ongoing for 10 months," he said.

"Meetings have been held in Monaco, Istanbul and Paris, but due to the nature of the matter the parties resolved to keep the negotiations confidential."

African National Congress Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu was glad that the verdict had brought an end to the "wild speculations".(ANA)

FA/ANA/07 July 2010---------