Caster Semenya won the 800 metres at the Doha Diamond League meeting on Friday in her first race since losing her appeal over a controversial gender ruling, claiming “actions speak louder than words”.
The South African, a two-time Olympic champion, timed 1min 54.98 to defeat Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba, who clocked 1:57.75, and Ajee Wilson of the United States in 1:58.83.
Semenya’s victory could be her last over 800m, with new IAAF rules governing testosterone levels coming into operation on May 8.
Asked if she intended to take hormone-suppressing treatment, she said: “Hell no. No way.
“I don’t know what will happen next.
“But no-one should tell me what to do, if people want to stop me from doing something, that’s their problem, not mine.”
After setting a new meet record, she told the BBC: “Actions speak louder than words. When you’re a great champion, you always deliver.
“With me, life has been simple. I’m just here to deliver for the people who love and support me. I’m enjoying each and every moment of my life, maybe because I have the love I need from my people.”