Caster Semenya, cover girl

The 18-year-old runner Caster Semenya, caught up in a gender controversy since she won the 800m women's final at the recent World Championships in Berlin, has been given a makeover by the South African magazine, You.

The photoshoot comes as Semenya and her supporters continue to argue that the runner from Limpoko is "100 per cent female" - a girl who just happens to be very strong and very fast.

Normally only seen in green and yellow trackwear, Semenya was photographed in a number of outfits, including black leather trousers with a sequined top and a black-and-white cocktail dress worn with killer heels. "I am who I am and I am proud of myself," she said. "I'd like to dress up more often and wear dresses but I never get the chance."

She said of the gender row: "I see it all as a joke, it doesn't upset me. God made me the way I am and I accept myself."

Although results of a gender test ordered by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) are not due for another fortnight, the BBC has been told that, whatever the outcome, Semenya is very unlikely to be asked to hand back the medal.

IAAF spokesman Nick Davies explained that she had been allowed to compete in the Berlin event, despite questions being asked about her gender beforehand, and that as a result it would be "legally very difficult" to ask Semenya to hand back her medal. ·