Sex tests show athlete Caster Semenya is hermaphrodite

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South Africa's sports minister confirmed the findings of scientific tests on the 18-year-old as he warned he would take legal action if Semenya was not allowed to compete as a woman.

Semenya - whose name is an anagram for Yes A Secret Man - won gold in the 800 metres at the 2009 World Championships.

But questions were raised about whether she really is a woman after tests showed she had testosterone levels three times the norm and an investigation was ordered.

Today sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile described the treatment of the runner by the governing body of world athletics, the IAAF, as "disgusting".

Confirming the outcome of the tests he said: "They indicate that she is a hermaphrodite. For me that means nothing. The issue here is not whether she is a hermaphrodite or not.

"Where is the science that says hermaphrodites have an advantage?"

"No one doubts her gender any more. Now the issue is of the percentages of her gender; this is unethical and disgusting."

He added: "I think it would be the third world war. We will go to the highest levels in contesting such a decision. I think it would be totally unfair and totally unjust.

"The ministry feels let down by the way this matter is being handled by those with devious vested interest, especially after being promised a meeting with the IAAF leadership."

Officials indicated South Africa was investigating the possibility of helping Semenya sue the IAAF after the results of the gender tests were leaked.

Tests conducted on Semenya revealed the athlete is a hermaphrodite with no womb but with both male and female sex organs.

The head of athletics in South Africa said Semenya was now being comforted by her parents following all the revelations about her.

Leonard Chuene told the Cape Argus newspaper: "She is a very strong character. Her coach is there. And her father and mother are with her.

"You can call all the psychologists in the world, but what she needs is her parents."