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@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport And yes, our current female Olympic 100m champ, Elaine Thompson, runs slower than the 14 year old schoolboy 100m record holder.
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport It *is* important to note that Semenya might have male-typical T+response, but she does not have male-typical dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The importance of DHT for sporting performance was discussed heavily at CAS.
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport If, via virilisation, T effects account for, say, half the performance gap between males and females, with DHT effects accounting for the other half, a male unable to make DHT will not achieve the maximal performance gap.
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport If T effects account for all of the performance gap, with DHT effects in the male body limited to processes not relevant for sporting performance (like the shape of ones external genitalia), then her lack of DHT should not reduce her potential performance gap over females.
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport Ultimately, this was the IAAF argument. That is:
1. Male-typical T drives the performance gap between males and females.
2. There is no evidence that DHT is relevant for sporting performance*
3. Therefore lack of DHT should not impede male sporting potential...
1. Male-typical T drives the performance gap between males and females.
2. There is no evidence that DHT is relevant for sporting performance*
3. Therefore lack of DHT should not impede male sporting potential...
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport 4. That a male without DHT is not competitive in the male field is simply a reflection that they are not an gifted athlete.
*DHT is a banned doping agent, which would imply a known performance-enhancing effect. But direct evidence is slim.
*DHT is a banned doping agent, which would imply a known performance-enhancing effect. But direct evidence is slim.
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport (A very lay summary. There was, of course, plenty of nuance)
@SwipeWright @MianneBagger @Scienceofsport And a note from a dev bio POV. I find it somewhat impossible to believe that DHT has no effect on sporting performance. For example, the enzyme that makes it is found in muscle, which would imply its activity is important there. But secure evidence is lacking.
