South African runner Caster Semenya has come under intense scutiny since winning the 800 metre at the world athletics championships in Berlin. (David J. Phillip/Associated Press)

South African runner Caster Semenya says she isn't comfortable with all the attention she has received since her world championship title was marred by controversy over gender tests conducted to determine whether she is eligible to compete as a woman.

Semenya won the women's 800 metres at the world championships in Berlin on Aug. 19.

"People want to stare at me now. They want to touch me," Semenya said in an interview published Friday in the British newspaper the Guardian. "I'm supposed to be famous, but I don't think I like it so much."

The International Association of Athletics Federations is reviewing gender test results to determine whether Semenya qualifies to compete as a woman.

The track and field group has refused to confirm or deny Australian media reports that the tests indicate Semenya has both male and female sex organs. A decision is expected to be announced Nov. 20.

The 18-year-old Semenya won the 800-metre world title in a season-best time of one minute 55.45 seconds. Before the final, the IAAF said it had ordered gender tests be conducted on Semenya because of her muscular build and rapid improvement in times.

Besides the international intrigue created by the gender test, the case has also entangled the president of the South African athletics federation, Leonard Chuene.

In September, Chuene admitted he lied about his knowledge of gender tests performed on Semenya in South Africa before the world championships. He has since been suspended.

Semenya, however, appears to be happiest when she is training with others at home in South Africa.

"Everyone just accepts me," Semenya said in the interview, which will be published in full on Saturday. "They know who I am. I am just Caster to these guys. I feel good with them."