Masilingi quits running over hormone medication rules

One of Namibia’s most accomplished young sprinters and an Olympic finalist, Beatrice Masilingi, has effectively stepped away from competitive athletics after deciding to stop taking the testosterone-suppressing medication required under World Athletics’ regulations for athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD).

In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun last week, the 23-year-old revealed that she has been away from training and competition for about a year after discontinuing the medication for health reasons, leaving her ineligible to compete under the current rules.

“I’ve been off for about a year now from training and competing because I’ve decided to stop taking the medication,” Masilingi said.

She said she would love to return to the world stage but is unwilling to do so under conditions that prevent her from competing freely.

“As much as I would really love to run and compete on the world stage, it looks like we are not welcomed,” she said.

Asked whether fans could see her return to competition, Masilingi said that was unlikely unless the regulations change.

“Unless these regulations change in the near future, I don’t think I would want to go back. If I’m not going to run freely, you know? I’d rather just step back,” she said.

World Athletics introduced DSD regulations in 2021 requiring certain female athletes to lower their natural testosterone levels through medication to compete in specified women’s track events. The rules affected both Masilingi and fellow Namibian sprint star Christine Mboma, forcing them out of their preferred 400m event and into shorter distances.

Masilingi went on to reach the women’s 200m final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, after switching from the 400m. She also won silver at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships and established herself as one of Namibia’s fastest female sprinters.

She said the decline in her public profile has also affected corporate support.

“Ever since we haven’t been in the spotlight, there hasn’t been any support from corporates,” she said, adding that the last sponsorship she could recall receiving was around 2023.

Masilingi is now turning her attention to life beyond competitive racing. She has ventured into business, completed a World Athletics Level 1 coaching course and recently launched her own sprint academy.

“Since I can’t run, I’d rather pass on my knowledge to the next generation,” she said.

She hopes coaching will keep her connected to the sport while helping young athletes achieve their own ambitions.

Masilingi also thanked Namibians for supporting her and Mboma throughout their careers and for backing them on the international stage.

“I appreciate the support they gave to me and Christine. It was really great representing the country on the international stage and representing Namibia as a nation,” she said.

“But they will probably be seeing me soon with my athletes.”

While Masilingi stopped short of formally announcing her retirement, her comments suggest that her competitive career is effectively on hold for as long as the current regulations remain in place.