Latest effort in athletics uses genetic screening to tackle the mystery surrounding athlete's gender identification
World Athletics Introduces Genetic Test for Female Eligibility
World Athletics has announced a significant change in its regulations for athlete eligibility in the female category, introducing a once-in-a-lifetime genetic test for the SRY gene. This test, which can be conducted via cheek swab or blood sample, aims to protect the integrity of women's sport and address concerns over a "biological glass ceiling" in the female category.
The new regulations, effective from September 1, 2025, will be implemented at world-ranking competitions, including the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. If the SRY gene is detected, indicating male biological characteristics, the athlete will be ineligible for elite female competition.
Privacy and gender identity are respected, and no surgical procedures are mandated under these regulations. This policy merges and supersedes earlier rules for both transgender and Differences in Sex Development (DSD) athletes.
The evolution of World Athletics' regulations on athlete eligibility has been marked by significant changes, particularly in relation to DSD and transgender athletes. Previously, DSD athletes were allowed to compete if they medically reduced their blood testosterone to below 2.5 or 5 nmol/L for at least 6 to 24 months, depending on the discipline. Transgender women were allowed to compete if they reduced and maintained their serum testosterone levels below 5 nmol/L for at least 12 months.
However, starting March 31, 2023, transgender women who had undergone male puberty were excluded from female World Rankings competitions. In 2025, World Athletics adopted a more direct biological criterion via the SRY gene test to confirm biological sex, replacing testosterone-based eligibility thresholds.
The current SRY gene testing policy integrates and supersedes prior testosterone and identity declarations to create a clear biological standard for female eligibility, emphasizing fairness in elite female athletics.
The IAAF (now World Athletics) first introduced rules to examine "suspicious" athletes in 1936, and conducted controversial sex testing policies for over 70 years. Other sports governing bodies, such as World Boxing and World Aquatics, have also implemented similar measures.
However, the new policy is not without ethical concerns. Critics argue that the potential for outing athletes and the possibility of minors being tested could lead to privacy violations. Some countries, like Norway, have even prohibited genetic sex testing for the purpose of sport.
Despite the controversies, World Athletics remains committed to ensuring fairness and integrity in women's sport. The introduction of the SRY gene test is the latest attempt to find an equitable solution to the issue of transgender and DSD eligibility.
References: [1] World Athletics Regulations [2] Transgender Athletes in Sports [3] Differences in Sex Development in Sports [4] UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights [5] Norway's Ban on Genetic Sex Testing
- Public discussions surrounding the new genetic testing policy in World Athletics have spilled over into medical-conditions, general-news, and ethics, as questions arise about privacy implications and potential impacts on minors.
- While the sports world welcomes the introduction of a clear biological standard for female eligibility, issues related to crime-and-justice may surface as debates intensify, notably focusing on the ethical implications of outing athletes and the potential for privacy violations.
