World Athletics has announced the approval of a new cheek swab test to confirm whether an athlete is biologically female. This decision, endorsed by the World Athletics Council, aims to protect the integrity of the female category in sport.
A Step Towards Protecting Female Sports
Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, emphasised the importance of the new test in maintaining the fairness and credibility of women’s sports. Speaking after the Council’s two-day meeting in Nanjing, China, Coe stated, “This is crucial for guaranteeing the integrity of female sports and ensuring competition remains fair.”
Expected to Roll Out in September
While no specific date has been set for the implementation of the test, it is expected to be used at the World Outdoor Championships in Tokyo this September. The test would involve a simple cheek swab to detect the SRY gene, which is commonly found on the male Y chromosome and serves as a reliable marker of biological sex. Athletes will only need to take the test once during their careers.
Widespread Support for the Test
Coe revealed that the decision followed extensive consultations, with the majority of feedback strongly supporting the introduction of the swab test. He also reassured that the test would not be considered invasive and could withstand potential legal challenges.
“We have gone through legal hurdles in the past, and we are prepared to face any challenges head-on. Our commitment to protecting the female category in sport is unwavering,” Coe added, referencing previous court cases that upheld regulations around athletes with differences in sex development (DSD).
Exploring Alternative Testing Methods
World Athletics is also exploring the use of blood spot tests as an alternative. However, the cheek swab test remains the most immediate solution.
Safeguarding the Future of Women’s Sports
The move is part of a broader initiative by World Athletics to safeguard the future of women’s sports. Coe has consistently advocated for stronger measures to protect the female category, warning that without such actions, women’s sports could be at risk.
With these steps, World Athletics aims to reinforce the integrity of competitions and ensure fairness for all athletes, particularly in the female category.
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