World Athletics has announced the introduction of a mandatory genetic test for women in order to determine the biological sex of athletes and confirm their eligibility for the female category. This move aims to reaffirm gender identity among participants and strengthen the protection of the female category in sports.
The testing will be done using a cheek swab, and according to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, the process will be non-invasive and fully comply with medical standards.
The exact date for the implementation of genetic testing has not yet been specified. It is also important to note that, since March 31, 2023, transgender women who have gone through male puberty are no longer allowed to compete in track and field competitions. These changes also affect the eligibility rules for athletes with differences in sexual development.
Gender identity remains a highly contentious issue in the sports world. A recent example was the debate over the gender of boxers Imane Helif from Algeria and Lin Yui-Ting from Taiwan during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the International Olympic Committee confirmed that both athletes “were born and raised as women.”
