World Athletics mandates gene tests for female athlete eligibility

The new regulations require female athletes to pass a gene test to compete in women's categories.

World Athletics introduces gene tests for female athlete eligibility

World Athletics has mandated that athletes must pass a one-time gene test to compete in female categories at major events, starting September 1. The test involves checking for the SRY gene, which identifies biological sex, and can be performed through a simple cheek swab or blood test. This decision follows years of debate about eligibility rules, particularly concerning transgender athletes and those with differences of sex development (DSD). Currently, transgender women who experienced male puberty are banned from competing in the female category, while female athletes with high testosterone levels must lower them to participate. The president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, emphasized the necessity of the test in maintaining fairness, stating that biology must take precedence over gender identity.

This decision brings fresh clarity and contentious debate to an ongoing issue in athletics. The introduction of a gene test may provide a more objective means of determining eligibility, but it also raises ethical concerns about privacy and the implications of biological identification in sports. Moreover, the association of gender identity with biological testing could provoke backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and uniformity supporters. As the world of sports evolves, this pivotal moment may also drive deeper discussions on gender, fairness, and inclusion in athletics.

Highlights

As the conversation around gender and sports continues, the impact of these regulations remains to be seen.