Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she would not defend her world title in Doha in September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body.
"If I am not running 800 metres, I'm not running in the world championships," the 28-year-old South African said after winning her favourite event at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting.
"No 1500 (metres), nothing. I am just going to take a vacation, and then come (back to competing) next year."
Caster Semenya.Credit: AAP
But Semenya, who is challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone rules that could affect her career, is looking towards the next three Olympics.
"I expect to be in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles," she said.
The South African repeated that she would not take medication to satisfy the IAAF regulations, which are on hold for her after a court ruling.
Semenya charged ahead about 600 metres into Sunday's race and won in 1 minute 55.70 seconds, the fastest time ever run in the United States.
However, the three-time world champion said she felt sluggish.
"I (would be) still sleeping at home," she said, noting it was about midnight in South Africa.
Semenya claimed her 31st consecutive final in the event. She last lost an 800 metres final in Berlin on September 6, 2015.
Earlier on Sunday at the Diamond League meet, Kenya's world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech cruised to the fifth fastest time in the women's 3000 metres steeplechase, 8:55.58.
American Rai Benjamin showed he was ready to challenge for his first world 400m hurdles title when he ran 47.16 - the ninth fastest of all time.
Christian Coleman also produced a 2019-leading time, winning the 100m in 9.81, as 37-year-old world champion Justin Gatlin showed he will again be a factor in Doha by taking second in 9.87.
Reuters