By Sports Desk
In a landmark and highly debated policy shift, World Athletics has announced that all athletes wishing to compete in the elite female category will be required to undergo a one-time genetic test to verify the absence of the SRY gene — a marker typically found on the Y chromosome. The rule, set to take effect from 1 September 2025, will first apply to participants aiming to compete at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
A New Standard for Eligibility
The test, conducted through a simple cheek swab or blood sample, must confirm a negative SRY result for athletes to be eligible in world-ranking female events. Once completed, the test will not be repeated during the athlete’s career.
World Athletics says the measure is designed to “protect the integrity and fairness of the female category”, arguing that the rule provides clarity after years of complex eligibility debates involving transgender and intersex athletes. President Sebastian Coe has emphasised that the federation’s focus is on maintaining “fair competition based on biological parameters.”
Scope and Expansion
Under the new regulations:
Athletes with a positive SRY test result will not be eligible to compete in elite female events.
They may still participate in non-ranking competitions or other designated categories.
The rule will progressively extend to additional events in 2026, including the Diamond League, World Athletics Continental Tour, and major international marathons.
National federations will oversee the testing process, with results typically expected within one to two weeks.
Global Reactions — Applause and Backlash
The policy has ignited global debate:
Supporters argue it brings much-needed structure to women’s sport and protects the competitive field. They claim a genetic standard eliminates ambiguity and streamlines eligibility checks.
Critics, however, warn of serious ethical and legal implications. Human-rights groups have labelled the rule discriminatory toward intersex and transgender athletes, questioning the use of a single gene as a biological determinant. Some medical experts argue the SRY gene alone may not fully reflect an individual’s physiological makeup.
Several countries have also indicated that mandatory genetic testing may conflict with their national privacy or anti-discrimination laws.
A Wider Sporting Trend
World Athletics is not alone — other sports bodies, including World Boxing, have adopted similar testing protocols. The move signals a broader shift as global sports institutions grapple with balancing inclusion, fairness, and scientific standards in women’s categories.
What Comes Next
With the Tokyo Championships less than a year away, federations are preparing to implement testing procedures and educate athletes on the new rules. The debate is expected to intensify as the policy rolls out, potentially shaping the future landscape of women’s sport worldwide.
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