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Starting 1 September, athletes who wish to compete in the female category at world-ranking competitions will be required to undergo a one-time gene test, according to the global governing body, World Athletics. This regulation will apply to events such as the World Athletics Championships, which are scheduled for 13 to 21 September in Tokyo.
The new policy involves testing for the SRY gene, which is part of the Y chromosome and is responsible for developing male characteristics. The test can be conducted through a cheek swab or a blood sample. If the test result is negative for the Y chromosome, the athlete will be cleared to compete in the female category. However, if the result is positive, the athlete may only compete in non-world-ranking female competitions or in another category other than female.
The gene test will only need to be done once in an athlete's lifetime and will be managed by member federations. World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe emphasized the importance of fairness and clarity, particularly for women entering the sport. He stated that women should feel confident there is no biological glass ceiling limiting their participation.
On its website, World Athletics described the gene test as highly accurate, with a very low risk of false positives or negatives. The new testing regulation is similar to one introduced by World Boxing in May, which made sex testing mandatory for all athletes.
Lord Coe further explained that World Athletics is reaffirming its stance that biological sex must take precedence over gender identity in elite competition. He added that the Council has always believed biology cannot be overridden by gender.
The gene test requirement was one of several recommendations approved at the World Athletics Council meeting in March. These changes aim to tighten eligibility rules for transgender athletes and those with differences of sex development (DSD). At the same time, the Council recommended merging the rules for transgender and DSD athletes, citing scientific evidence that testosterone suppression can only partially reduce the male advantage in sports.
Currently, DSD athletes must lower their testosterone levels for at least six months to compete in female international events. In July, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Caster Semenya's right to a fair trial was violated by the Swiss Supreme Court. Semenya has not competed in the 800m since 2019 due to testosterone regulations imposed by World Athletics.
