Caster Semenya turns into a cover girl

Caster Semenya, the South African athlete at the centre of speculation over her sex, today became a cover girl.

The women's 800m world champion appeared on the front of a glossy magazine in a glamorous pose and laughed off controversy.

Wearing make-up, a tight black dress and necklace, her image was far from the androgynous look in her green-and-gold running kit.

The 18-year-old told South Africa's You magazine: "I am who I am and I am proud of myself. I'd like to dress up more often and wear dresses but I never get the chance."

Semenya, who is awaiting the results of a gender test, dismissed the criticism as a joke. She said: "It doesn't upset me. God made me the way I am and I accept myself."

After posing in outfits including black leather trousers with a sequined top, and a knee-length dress, she said: "I've never bought my clothes, my mum buys them for me, but now I know I can look like this I'd like to do it more often."