World 800m champion Caster Semenya has dismissed speculation that she is not fully prepared ahead of her title defence at next week's World Champion-ships in Daegu.

Following average form so far this season, rumours have suggested that there are problems in Semenya's camp and with head coach Michael Semene. There have also been concerns regarding the athlete's overall fitness and suggestions that she is overweight. However, the athlete's camp has moved quickly to dismiss speculation.

untrue

"The recent media reports that Caster Semenya is not ready to defend her world 800m title are untrue," Semenya's management team said in a statement yesterday.

"Semenya remains disciplined, focused and excited about representing South Africa at the World Championship in South Korea. These rumours are seen as attempts to discourage and distract her from her glorious quest for gold."

"We furthermore wish to assure South Africans and Caster's supporters that all is well with our champ and that she is going to put up a strong fight in defence of her title," the statement added.

Semenya pulled out of this month's World Student Games in Shenzen, China, with a back injury but has also struggled for form this season, running below two minutes only twice, well short of the 1:55.45 she set to win the title in Berlin in 2009.