Starting September 1, 2025, female athletes wishing to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo must pass a mandatory gene test. The global governing body for track and field, World Athletics, has introduced a one-time genetic screening focused on the SRY gene, associated with the presence of the Y chromosome.
This landmark rule aims to ensure fairness in women’s sports by determining biological sex with scientific precision. The announcement has stirred conversation and marks a critical shift in eligibility regulations for elite female athletes worldwide.
The Details of the Gene Testing Policy
What Is the SRY Gene Test?
Purpose: Detects the presence of the SRY gene, which triggers male biological development.
Method: Conducted through a cheek swab or dry blood spot test.
Timing: A one-time test required before September 1, 2025, for eligibility at the upcoming World Athletics Championships beginning September 13 in Tokyo.
Cost: World Athletics will cover up to $100 of testing fees, with national federations overseeing administration.
Accuracy: The organization describes the test as “extremely accurate” with very low risk of false positives or negatives.
Who Must Take the Test?
- All athletes entering the female category at World Athletics-sanctioned events that count towards world rankings.
- Results determine eligibility to compete in female events.
- Athletes testing positive for the SRY gene will be ineligible for women’s events but may participate in non-ranking or other categories.
Transitional Provisions
- Some athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) on approved medical treatment can remain eligible.
- Current rules exclude transgender women competing at elite international level.
Why This Change Was Introduced
The policy responds to ongoing debates around fairness in women’s sports, especially concerning athletes with naturally elevated testosterone or biological male characteristics competing in female events.
- World Athletics President Sebastian Coe stated that “to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female.”
- The rule aims to prevent a “biological glass ceiling” and maintain a level playing field.
- The decision follows recommendations by a gender diversity task force and extensive consultation.
- It also provides clarity after years of controversy, including the high-profile Caster Semenya case.
What This Means for Athletes and the Sport
- Athletes must now provide conclusive biological sex proof to compete in women’s events at the highest level.
- This step brings a standardized, scientific approach to eligibility rather than subjective or variable criteria.
- The policy ensures consistency across national federations and international competitions.
- It may affect athletes with certain medical conditions and reinforce the distinctions in sex categories based on genetics.
FAQs: Gene Testing for Female Track & Field Athletes
1. What is the SRY gene, and why is it tested?
The SRY gene is found on the Y chromosome and initiates male sex development. The test identifies the presence of this gene to confirm biological sex.
2. Who needs to take the gene test?
All female athletes seeking to compete in World Athletics-sanctioned events for ranking points must take the test once before September 1, 2025.
3. What happens if an athlete tests positive for the SRY gene?
They are excluded from competing in women’s events at elite international competitions but can participate in non-ranking or other categories.
4. How accurate is the gene test?
World Athletics reports the SRY test is highly precise, with minimal risk of false positive or negative results, ensuring fairness and integrity.
5. Are any athletes exempt from the testing policy?
Athletes with differences in sex development who are on approved testosterone suppression treatment may remain eligible under transitional provisions.
Conclusion: Balancing Fairness and Inclusion in Women’s Athletics
World Athletics’ introduction of mandatory gene testing for female competitors marks a significant moment in the sport’s ongoing effort to balance fairness, safety, and inclusivity. By requiring athletes to confirm biological sex via the SRY gene test, the governing body seeks to address concerns over competitive equity in women’s categories.
As the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo approach, this policy will shape the athlete field and reflect evolving standards in elite track and field competition. For athletes, fans, and officials alike, the new rule underscores the complexities and challenges of defining eligibility in modern sports — with fairness at its core.
