Semenya injured, but keeps CWG hopes alive

The depleted track and field event is in danger of another high-profile withdrawal if world 800m champion Caster Semenya fails to recover from a back injury.

The 19-year-old is one of the biggest draws of the CWG, having won a battle against the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) to be eligible to compete against women.

Semenya's coach, Michael Tete, confirmed to HT from South Africa that her back was hurting for some time but declined to give details. "We have been observing her progress and will take a call on her participation accordingly," said Tete. He insisted the Games was a high priority event for them and the player was keen on taking the flight. "I am hopeful that she will compete in CWG. It is a big event and we would not like to miss it."

Semenya has been inconsistent ever since returning to competition in July, 11 months after the IAAF banned her for life following a gender test.

If Semenya pulls out, the 800-metre event will miss three of the top five performers from Commonwealth countries this season. The top two performers, Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei and Nancy Langat, have already pulled out of the Games.

Mulaudzi out

While Semenya is harbouring hopes of participating in the Games, her counterpart and men's 800m world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi has pulled out due to injury. Mulaudzi, also the 2004 Athens Olympics silver medallist, is also suffering from a back injury.