Namibian sprint stars Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi delivered below-par performances in the women’s 100m final at the World Athletics Continental Tour Golden Grand Prix held in Gaborone, Botswana today. Masilingi finished sixth with a time of 11.84 seconds, while Mboma followed closely in seventh place at 11.88 seconds. The race was won by South Africa’s Hanna Hope Vermaak, who clocked 11.44 seconds.
The disappointing results have once again brought attention to the hormone therapy both athletes have been required to undergo in order to compete in international events. Mboma and Masilingi were instructed to take medication to lower their naturally high testosterone levels—part of World Athletics’ regulations for female athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD).
Many sports analysts and fans believe the hormone therapy is negatively affecting their strength, endurance, and explosive power on the track. Once dominant in the 200m and 400m categories, both athletes have struggled to regain their previous form since starting the medication.
Today’s performance only added to growing concerns that the therapy is limiting their natural abilities and preventing them from competing at their best. While the Namibian duo remain committed and continue to train hard, the impact of hormone regulation on their athletic performance is becoming increasingly evident.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether they can adapt to these changes or if the rules will continue to place them at a disadvantage on the global stage.
