Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba becomes first athlete with hormonal ‘advantage’ to break a world record

Dylan Bettencourt

Despite the difference of sex development (DSD) being labelled as a ‘huge advantage’ for athletes, Francine Niyonsaba has become the first athlete with the condition to break a world record. 

The runner from Burundi obliterated the previous record in the 2,000m when she crossed the line in just 5min and 21 seconds, almost two seconds faster than the previous record time. 

Niyonsaba’s performance will likely raise concerns over these athletes competing in certain events, given they are already banned from the 400m and 1,600m events. 

If athletes with DSD wish to compete they have to take medication to reduce the amount of testosterone their bodies produce.

DSD is a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs, including genitals. According to the National Health Service (NHS) it entails that the person’s sex development is different to the majority of other people. 

South Africa’s Caster Semenya has fallen victim to claims of DSD with the track superstar barred from competing in several events because her testosterone levels are too high. 

In 2019, the court of arbitration for sports declared that DSD athletes “enjoy a significant sporting advantage” over other athletes. 

Despite these athletes possibly having an advantage, Niyonsaba will feel overjoyed to become a world record holder and to do it in emphatic fashion with a final lap time of just 63 seconds.

It is an achievement to behold, not to diminish. 

Image source: @TheGuardian

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Recent articles