South African Runner Caster Semenya Becomes a Professional Footballer

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has decided to become a professional footballer.

The two-time Olympic 800m champion signed for South African women's football team JVW, which is owned by Banyana Captain, Janine van Wyk

Semenya, 28, is unable to compete in the 800m race without taking testosterone-reducing drugs following a rule change by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Semenya, who will not be defending her 800m World Championship title in Doha this month, is challenging the IAAF rules through the courts.

The three-time World champion will not play for the Gauteng-based football club until the 2020 season since she joined after the South African transfer window shut.

"I am looking forward to this new journey, I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team," Semenya told the club website.

JVW founder and South Africa captain Janine said: "I am absolutely honored that out of all the other women's clubs around the world, she has chosen JVW as the club where she would like to start showcasing her football skills."

IAAF while introducing the new rules said female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) - such as Semenya - have "a competitive advantage" over ‘normal’ women runners.

To compete in track events from 400m to the mile, the new rules require athletes like Semenya to take medication to suppress their testosterone levels.