A Quiet Revolution in Women’s Athletics: The New Genetic Test Rule
Before the official announcement, whispers swirled—secret swabs, last-minute roster changes, and an air of uncertainty hanging over the sport. Then World Athletics dropped the bombshell: from September 1, every female athlete must submit to mandatory gene testing.
The target? The SRY gene, a marker typically linked to male biology. The timing—just weeks ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo—left many wondering: why now? And what does this mean for the future of women’s sports?
The New Genetic Gatekeeper
The new rule requires athletes competing in female events to undergo a one-time genetic test via cheek swab or blood sample to confirm the absence of the SRY gene. This measure comes after a series of contentious cases spotlighting the blurred lines between biology and gender identity in competitive sports.
One flashpoint was the case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, barred from the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility concerns despite living as a woman her whole life. Although she was later cleared for the 2024 Olympics, her experience sparked intense global debate about fairness, biology, and inclusion.
Who Qualifies?
The policy defines eligibility strictly:
Biological females
Biological males who have not undergone male puberty
Individuals with differences in s*x development (DSDs) who meet specific criteria
Athletes on male gender-affirming treatment must wait a designated period after stopping testosterone before competing
Notably, transgender women are currently not competing at the elite level under these rules, so transitional provisions for them remain unaddressed.
Official Stance
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe framed the change as a protection for fairness, not exclusion:
“Our goal is simple: ensure women compete on an even playing field where biology matters. This isn’t about denying identity but about preserving integrity in sport.”
Coe acknowledged the sensitivity but emphasized the necessity of clarity and trust in elite competitions.
Conclusion
The introduction of mandatory gene testing signals a dramatic shift in how women’s sports define eligibility. As debates about fairness, identity, and science continue to roil the sporting world, World Athletics has drawn a clear—and controversial—line.
Whether this will strengthen the integrity of women’s competition or deepen divisions remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the Tokyo Championships will be the first proving ground for this bold new chapter in athletics.