Caster Semenya won't talk about new IAAF rule, says she's running to inspire

EUGENE, Ore. — Caster Semenya ran the fastest time ever on American soil Saturday at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, clocking in at 1:55.92 in the women’s 800. 

Semenya was all smiles after her win, taking a victory lap at Hayward Field, which is hosting its last major professional meet before a major renovation to prepare to host the 2021 World Championships. 

Afterward, when she stopped to chat with news media Semenya politely declined to discuss the controversy swirling around her dominance on the track. 

The IAAF in mid April released new gender eligibility guidelines that will prohibit women who have high levels of naturally occurring testosterone from middle distance races unless they take medication to reduce those levels. Athletes who opt to forgo hormone therapy would have to either compete in men’s events or special intersex events, which are not currently offered at any major international meets. 

COMMENTARY:Is this woman too much a man? Track’s powers that be think so

The rule is expected to directly impact Semenya, one of the most dominant runners in the world who won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games in the 800. 

“I’m not going to talk about it, I’m here to perform,” Semenya said. “To be honest, I’m just an athlete. There’s nothing I can do or say about it.” 

Asked what motivates her, Semenya smiled. 

“You just want to inspire people,” she said. “Inspire the youth and show them that if you believe, anything is possible.” 

The world record in the women’s 800 has stood since 1983, when Jarmila Kratochvilova of Czechoslovakia ran 1:53.28. Semenya said what she's learned after almost a decade running the 800 is that hitting a time like that is about running smarter, not harder. She's still learning how to run even splits. 

So can she get smart enough to set a world record this season? Semenya responded with another smile. 

“That’s the plan,” she said. “Maybe this year. I have to go back to the drawing board and discuss with coach and see what are the chances, what are the possibilities. Maybe with the right pacer.”