World Athletics has introduced a new rule requiring athletes to pass a one-time SRY gene test to compete in the female category at world ranking events. The test, which checks for the presence of the Y chromosome, will be mandatory for all athletes wishing to participate in women’s events. It comes into effect on September 1, just ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21.
A cheek swab or blood test can confirm biological sex through the SRY gene test. Athletes must pass this test to be eligible for competition in the female category at elite events. World Athletics aims to ensure fairness and integrity in women’s sports with this regulation.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, emphasized the importance of this rule in maintaining fairness in women’s sports. “It is vital for women to enter the sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling,” Coe said. He further added, “For you to compete in the female category at the elite level, you have to be biologically female.” The regulation will be managed by member federations to ensure proper enforcement.
World Athletics has faced years of debate surrounding eligibility criteria for women’s events, particularly concerning transgender athletes and those with differences in sex development (DSD). The organization previously banned transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in women’s events. Female athletes with DSDs are also required to lower their testosterone levels to be eligible for competition.
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Caster Semenya, who has DSD, recently appealed against World Athletics’ regulations requiring athletes with high testosterone to medically reduce levels. The European Court ruled that her appeal was not properly heard.
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