Genetic screenings for females causing distress prior to the World Championships
In the lead-up to the World Championships, a contentious new policy by World Athletics is causing a stir. Effective September 1, 2025, all female category athletes will be required to undergo a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene to verify their biological sex.
This gene testing aims to confirm the absence of the Y chromosome marker linked to male biology. A positive test would disqualify athletes from competing in elite female categories. The policy has ignited global debate due to concerns over fairness, privacy, human rights, and the scientific and ethical implications of such strict biological criteria for eligibility.
Critics argue this may discriminate against women with differences of sex development (DSD) and transgender athletes, while supporters emphasize the protection of women's sport integrity.
World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has defended the rule, asserting that gender "cannot trump biology."
Regarding Malaika Mihambo, a prominent German long jumper and World Champion, no documented public statement or clear position has been found regarding this issue.
The controversy has not gone unnoticed by the German Athletics Association (DLV). DLV's leading medical officer, Karsten Hollander, has emphasized the challenges faced by athletes and the association due to the short notice. The DLV is making efforts to enable athletes to participate in the World Championships according to the new regulations.
Mihambo, the Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, has sharply criticized the World Athletics' approach. She finds the sudden announcement of the gender tests to be legally questionable, ethically delicate, and scientifically rushed. Mihambo believes that gender is not a simple either-or and fair competition conditions consist of many factors.
The controversy is not just due to the short notice but also the disproportionate resources spent on the issue. Mihambo believes resources should be focused on doping, abuse, and violence in sports instead.
Other DLV stars like Kristin Pudenz are also puzzled by the gender tests. The International Athletics Federation is debating when a woman is truly a woman, a debate that has sparked heated discussions and raised questions about fairness, privacy, and inclusion.
The SRY test, proposed by World Athletics, will determine the presence of the Y chromosome through a cheek swab or blood test. This rule will be applied for the first time at the World Championships in Tokyo (September 13-21).
Despite the controversy, the World Athletics working group concluded that the current testosterone rule was not strict enough and proposed the SRY gene test, which was announced on July 30, approximately six weeks before the start of the World Championships.
As the World Championships approach, the debate around mandatory gender tests for female athletes continues, with many athletes and associations expressing concerns and calling for a reconsideration of the policy.
