World Athletics has announced a new rule requiring all athletes competing in the female category at upcoming world ranking events to take a gene test. This step follows recent controversies, including the case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test but later competed in the 2024 Olympics.
The new test, approved by World Athletics Council, will screen for the SRY gene, which helps determine biological sex. Athletes will provide a cheek swab or blood sample to complete the test just once during their career.
These regulations take effect on September 1, shortly before the World Athletics Championships start in Tokyo on September 13. National federations will handle the testing process for their teams.
Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President, emphasized the goal: to protect the integrity of women’s sports by confirming biological sex fairly. He said it’s important for female athletes to trust that there are no biological advantages that compromise competition.
The rules clarify who is eligible for female competition, including biological females, biological males who haven’t undergone male puberty, and those with certain differences of sex development following specific transitional rules.
The policy also outlines conditions for biological females who have used testosterone treatment under medical exemptions, noting they must wait a set period after treatment before competing.
