Chuene withdraws resignation from IAAF board

Submitted by ATAF Editor on 15 September 2009 - 4:35am

The president of the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Leonard Chuene, is to return to the board of the International Association of Athletics Federations in order to fight for Caster Semenya.

Chuene left the IAAF after accusing it of humiliating the women's 800m world champion and violating privacy rules in its handling of her case and the ASA Council had asked the IAAF to apologise to the athlete and the people of South Africa.

His decision to return indicates an easing in strained relations between ASA and the IAAF – the latter would have to work through the former to contact the 18-year-old about the results of her tests.

The IAAF ordered sex tests on the runner, saying questions had been raised about her muscular physique, running style and recent stunning improvement in times.

Chuene left the IAAF board shortly after it announced in August it had ordered sex tests on Semenya, but he has now returned after other ASA officials said he had a duty to represent both South Africa and Africa on the IAAF board.

"They still want to see me contributing," he said. "I can make a contribution inside."

In a statement, the ASA said it had instructed Chuene "to withdraw his resignation from the Council of the IAAF and resume his responsibilities as mandated by Athletics South Africa ... and the Confederation of African Athletics."

The ASA council also called on the IAAF to apologize to the athlete - Caster Semenya, her family and the people of South Africa.

Read and download the Council resolution below: