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World Athletics Introduces SRY Gene Test for Female Athletes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The World Athletics Council has approved new regulations that require athletes competing in the female category to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. The test, which is to be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, will be overseen by Member Federations as they prepare their athletes and teams for the World Championships in Tokyo. This move comes in the wake of recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, which spent over a year studying developments in law, science, sports, and society concerning gender-diverse athletes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SRY gene test will be a one-time requirement for all athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the World Championships.
  • The test will be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient for the athlete.
  • The new regulations come into effect on 1 September 2025 and will be applied to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, which begins on 13 September 2025.
  • The regulations aim to ensure that only biologically female athletes compete in the female category at elite level.
  • The World Athletics Council has formally affirmed the design of the female category and revised the eligibility regulations to ensure consistency with the design and goals.
  • The Council has also merged the DSD (differences of sex development) and Transgender Regulations and will implement a pre-clearance requirement for all athletes competing in the female category.
  • The new regulations follow recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, which consulted on the proposals earlier this year.
  • World Athletics has stated its commitment to respecting and preserving the dignity and privacy of individuals and will not judge or question gender identity.

Statistics:

  • The SRY gene test will be a one-time requirement for all athletes wishing to compete in the female category.
  • The test will be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.
  • The new regulations come into effect on 1 September 2025.
  • The World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 will begin on 13 September 2025.
  • Over 1 year has been spent studying developments in law, science, sports, and society concerning gender-diverse athletes.
  • The Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group was formed to provide recommendations on the new regulations.
  • 100% of athletes competing in the female category at elite level will be required to undergo the SRY gene test.

Sources:

  • World Athletics, "SRY Gene Test for Athletes Wishing to Compete in the Female Category"
  • World Athletics Council, "Approval of New Regulations for the Female Category"
  • Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, "Recommendations on the New Regulations"
  • World Athletics, "Eligibility Rule 3.5"

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