World Athletics to introduce genetic tests for women
Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sebastian Coe during a press conference at Olympic House, Lausanne on January 30, 2025.
Athletes would have to take the test just once in their careers to show that they do not have the SRY gene, which determines male sex in humans and most other mammals.
Like other sports, athletics has spent years debating eligibility criteria to compete in women's events, amid questions over biological advantages for transgender athletes and those with differences of sex development (DSD).
Bengaluru
Female athletes will soon have to undergo a one-time genetic test to compete in women's events, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said on Tuesday, after proposals to tighten eligibility rules were discussed at the body's council.
