Caster Semenya could go head-to-head with Dina Asher Smith at the Tokyo Olympics after the South African announced her intention to switch to the 200 metres.
Semenya is barred from defending her Olympic 800m crown without submitting to performance-reducing drugs in a rule introduced by the sport’s governing body.
But the rule does not apply over shorter distances and the 29-year-old says she will switch her target to a distance in which British star Asher Smith was crowned world champion this year.
“This decision has not been an easy one but as always I look forward to the challenge and will work hard, doing all I can to qualify for Tokyo and compete to the best of my ability for South Africa.
“Thank you to my team who have supported me over the past few months and thank you to all South Africans who believe in me and stand behind me.”
Semenya has rejected the IAAF’s conclusion that without taking the now-required medication, she would have an unfair “competitive advantage” over the longer distance.
