World Athletics to Introduce Gene Testing for Females

World Athletics has announced that starting in September, athletes seeking to compete in the female category at elite track and field events must undergo genetic testing to confirm their eligibility.

The new requirement will be implemented in time for the World Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13-21.

“It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling,” said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. “The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case.”

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World Athletics to Introduce Gene Testing for Females

The test involves checking for the presence of the SRY gene, which is typically found on the Y chromosome and plays a role in the development of male physical traits. It can be carried out via a cheek swab or a blood sample.

According to World Athletics, athletes who do not have the Y chromosome will be eligible to compete in the female category at world-ranking events. Those who test positive for the gene can still participate, but only in non-ranking female competitions or in a different competition category.

National athletics federations will be responsible for administering the tests, which World Athletics says are highly accurate with minimal risk of false results.

The move follows a similar policy adopted by World Boxing earlier this year, which also introduced SRY testing for all competitors.

Speaking on Wednesday, Coe reinforced the organisation’s position: “We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category you have to be biologically female. It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology.”

The decision comes after years of debate surrounding the eligibility of transgender athletes and those with differences in sex development (DSD). World Athletics already prohibits transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in female events, and DSD athletes with high testosterone levels are required to lower them through medical treatment in order to compete.

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  • Chinomso Sunday

    Chinomso Sunday is a Digital Content Writer at News Central, with expertise in special reports, investigative journalism, editing, online reputation, and digital marketing strategy.

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