Caster's coach resigns, says she was duped into tests

Caster Semenya’s coach has resigned because she was duped into believing she was undergoing standard doping tests instead of gender tests, the Star reported on Monday.

“I’m so sorry for the part I played; because of my negligence she went through all that. I am so sorry we let you down,” said Wilfred Daniels, who had been a coach with Athletics SA (ASA) since
1993.

“I had to leave.

I just looked at myself and asked if I liked what I saw. I asked if I could really enjoy my life knowing what I know ... My conscience was too great.”

Daniels resigned from his job last week, saying ASA did not advise Semenya about the gender tests, neither did it brief her on what was happening when the story broke.

“I am not happy. I’m not pointing fingers at anybody because I am part of the collective responsibility and blame. We did not handle Caster properly. The handling of the issue was atrocious,” said Daniels.

The International Association of Athletics Federations announced that gender tests would be carried out after Semenya won the 800m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin last month.

ASA president Leonard Chuene declined to comment on Daniels’ resignation.

“He has resigned—like anyone else resigning as far as I am concerned. If he has a story, then he must tell it,” said Chuene. - Sapa