SAAF president Chuene quits over Semenya gender issue

Cape Town (South Africa), Aug 23(ANI): South African Athletics Federation (SAAF) president Leonard Chuene has quit the sport's governing body, accusing it of being "racist" over the Caster Semenya affair.

Chuene blasted the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for publicly announcing its decision to test the gender of Semenya before she won gold in the 800m in Berlin.

"I would quit for as long as it takes to fight this dreadful case against our young runner," The Daily star quoted Chuene, as saying.

"Who are white people to question the make-up of an African girl? say this is racism, pure and simple," he added.

Chuene further insisted that the 18-year-old was facing intense scrutiny due to her ethnicity and said: "If gender tests have to take place, they should have been done quietly."

"The IAAF has let down this young child and I will fight tooth and nail to protect her," he added. (ANI)