World Athletics has introduced a mandatory one-time gene test for athletes wishing to compete in the female category, aiming to protect the integrity of women’s sport.
A New Standard for Female Competition
Starting September 1, athletes globally will need to clear a single SRY gene test to be eligible for world ranking competitions, including the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This new rule is a significant step in defining who can compete in women’s events at the elite level.
The SRY gene test, which helps determine biological sex, can be performed easily via a cheek swab or blood sample. Member federations will oversee the testing protocol, ensuring a smooth transition ahead of major events.
Why the Change? Protecting Women’s Sport
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the importance of this measure. He stated that it’s crucial for attracting more women to the sport, ensuring they believe there are no biological barriers to their success.
“The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case,” Coe said. He added that for elite competition, athletes in the female category must be biologically female, reinforcing that “gender cannot trump biology.”
Addressing Ongoing Debates
This decision comes after years of extensive debate and discussion regarding eligibility criteria for women’s events. The sport has grappled with questions surrounding biological advantages for transgender athletes and those with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
Previously, World Athletics had banned transgender women who went through male puberty from competing in female events. They also required female DSD athletes with naturally high testosterone levels to lower them to be eligible. However, a recent working group found these existing rules were not stringent enough, leading to the recommendation for the SRY gene pre-clearance test.
Understanding the SRY Gene Test
The SRY gene is critical because its presence indicates the Y chromosome, a primary indicator of biological sex. This test provides a clear, biological basis for category eligibility.
World Athletics isn’t alone in adopting this measure. World Boxing also introduced mandatory sex testing for all boxers in May, highlighting a growing trend in sports bodies to ensure fair competition based on biological criteria.
Key Takeaways
- World Athletics now requires a one-time SRY gene test for all female category competitors.
- The aim is to protect the integrity of women’s sport by ensuring biological female participation at elite levels.
- The new rules take effect on September 1, 2024.
This new mandate underscores the ongoing efforts by sports federations to balance inclusivity with fair play, particularly in defining categories based on biological factors.
