World Athletics proposes cheek swab test for transgender and DSD athletes as part of new eligibility regulations aiming to maintain fairness in female sports categories

The debate over fairness in women’s sports is back in the spotlight as World Athletics launches a new consultation process to review its rules on transgender and Difference of Sex Development (DSD) athletes.

This latest move comes amid growing discussions on how to balance inclusivity while preserving fair competition in female sports categories.

One of the key considerations being explored is the introduction of a cheek swab test to determine eligibility, sparking both support and criticism from different corners of the sporting community.

Questioning the Male Puberty Rule

World Athletics had previously implemented a ban on athletes who had undergone male puberty from competing in female categories.

However, a working group set up to further analyze the issue has now suggested that this approach may not be sufficient.

According to the group’s findings, new evidence indicates that performance gaps exist even before puberty begins.

Their research highlights that, in athletics, the pre-pubertal advantage for male athletes ranges from 3% to 5% in running events and is even more pronounced in throwing and jumping disciplines.

Key Recommendations for Change

In response to these findings, the working group has put forward five key recommendations:

1. Defining the Purpose of the Female Category – Establishing a formal framework for female competition eligibility.
2. Updating Eligibility Regulations – Ensuring that rules align with the latest scientific findings.
3. Merging DSD and Transgender Policies – Creating a unified set of regulations.
4. Pre-Clearance Testing – Requiring all female-category athletes to undergo eligibility assessments.
5. Support for Gender-Diverse Athletes – Exploring pathways for elite athletes with gender variations.

One of the more controversial aspects is the proposed cheek swab test for the SRY gene, which is typically found on the Y chromosome and serves as a marker for biological sex.

Additional testosterone testing may also be required in certain cases.

The Debate Around Testing and Inclusion

World Athletics emphasizes that any new eligibility tests must be “dignified, swift, non-invasive, and accurate.”

This aligns with a Special Rapporteur’s report presented to the UN General Assembly last year, which advocated for less intrusive sex verification methods.

However, the proposal has reignited debates over whether such testing is fair or necessary.

Athletes like Caster Semenya, a double Olympic champion affected by past DSD regulations, could find themselves subject to the same rules as transgender athletes under these new policies.

Currently, female athletes with DSD can compete in World Athletics events if they maintain testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months.

The proposed regulations would impact those already on this pathway, and the governing body acknowledges that transitional measures will be necessary.

The Bigger Picture: Global Sporting Policies

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has positioned the organization as a leader in preserving fairness in women’s sports.

He emphasized that their eligibility rules have always been based on the latest scientific knowledge, and this review process is a natural progression.

With the consultation period set to run until March 5, discussions will continue among key stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and scientific experts.

Meanwhile, similar debates are playing out globally.

In the USA, former President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order banning transgender women from female sports categories.

Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing legal challenges from the International Boxing Association over gender policies at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

What’s Next?

The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of gender inclusion in athletics.

With Sebastian Coe among the candidates vying to become the next IOC president, the policies set forth by World Athletics could influence broader Olympic rules.

As the consultation process unfolds, the sports world will be watching closely to see how these recommendations evolve and whether they will lead to a new global standard for gender-based competition in elite sports.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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