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Caster Semenya, the South African winner of the World 800 metres title who was plunged into gender controversy last year, was cleared to race as a woman again by the world athletics governing body.

July 7, 2010 /LGBT News/ Semenya was cleared to return Tuesday by the IAAF, ending an 11-month layoff after undergoing gender verification tests.

“The IAAF accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that she can compete with immediate effect,” the organization said. “Please note that the medical details of the case remain confidential and the IAAF will make no further comment on the matter.”

Semenya sprang to prominence last year with her rapid improvement over 800 metres. Her winning time in Berlin of one minute 55.45 seconds was the fastest of 2009.

Her coach Michael Seme said Wednesday that Semenya is looking to run in “one or two” meets in Europe before competing at the African championships in Kenya, which begin July 28.

“Caster Semenya deserves a public apology from both the ASA (Athletics South Africa) and IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations),” said spokesperson Gugu Ndima.

“The much-anticipated results confirm that this was merely denial from the West that an African athlete could achieve beyond the benchmark that was put in place.”

Ndima said the organisation had always had “faith” in Semenya.

“(We) believe that this whole debacle was affirmation that there are still deeply entrenched stereotypes about how a woman is supposed to look like in accordance to European standards.

“The IAAF should hang their heads in shame.”