LOS ANGELES, 25 June, 2021 (AFP) – Transgender sprinter Cee Telfer has been suspended at the US Pre-Olympics for not meeting the World Athletics Federation’s (World Athletics) standards for testosterone levels, the federation said Thursday-Friday (24). has been thrown out.
Telfer, who was set to compete in the women’s 400m hurdles this Friday, was unable to provide evidence that she had reached the testosterone threshold set by World Athletics in 2019.
The World Athletics rules, which apply to all women’s events between the 400m and 1,500m, were implemented amid a long-running dispute over South African Olympic 800m champion Castor Semenya.
The US federation said Telfer has not proved his mettle to compete at this week’s pre-Olympics in Eugene, Oregon.
The unit noted that Telfer was informed of eligibility requirements prior to testing, but was unable to demonstrate compliance.
In a statement, the federation said it “strongly supports the inclusion and provides a clear path for participation in sport for all while maintaining competitive equality.”
“If CeCe meets the conditions for the participation of transgender athletes in the future, we wholeheartedly support their participation in international events as a member of the US team,” he added.
RCW/GBV/MA/AM
