World Athletics introduces sex tests after findings indicate that 50-60 athletes with DSD were competing in finals.
In the world of athletics, the spotlight is on World Athletics as they lead the charge in implementing tests in sports. Dr Stéphane Bermon, head of health and science at World Athletics, recently presented data to a scientific panel in the Japanese capital, showing that athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) were significantly over-represented in major finals.
The new policy unveiled by World Athletics requires DSD individuals to suppress their testosterone levels. Since 2000, approximately 50-60 athletes who went through male puberty have been finalists in the female category in global and continental track and field championships. These athletes, who have a 46 XY karyotype with male testes but were reported female at birth, compromise the integrity of the female competitions, according to Dr Bermon.
To address this issue, World Athletics has introduced SRY screening, a gene test for the world championships in Tokyo. This test, which can be done using a simple cheek swab, is used to assess if someone is biologically male or female. The move to implement the SRY gene test for biological sex determination has faced criticism from some within the scientific and academic community, including Andrew Sinclair, the professor who discovered the SRY gene. Sinclair considers using the SRY gene test to determine biological sex as 'overly simplistic' and not 'cut and dried'.
Despite the controversy, World Athletics is committed to protecting and promoting the integrity of women's sport. Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, emphasized this point, stating that the test to confirm biological sex is a crucial step in ensuring there is no biological glass ceiling in women's sport.
Meanwhile, athletes are gearing up for the World Championships. Kate O'Connor and Cian McPhillips are looking to turn their big dreams into medals. In an exciting turn of events, McPhillips made history in the 800m at the World Championships, although no specific details were provided.
The controversy surrounding DSD athletes has kept high-profile athletes like Caster Semenya and Christine Mboma out of the elite level since the rules were introduced. Noah Lyles, on the other hand, pledged to surpass Usain Bolt's record after his fourth 200m gold at the World Championships.
As the world watches, the future of athletics is set to be shaped by these developments in biological sex determination. The debate continues, but one thing is clear: World Athletics is taking a firm stand to ensure fairness and integrity in women's competitions.
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