In a move aimed at preserving the integrity of women’s sports, World Athletics has approved a new cheek-swab testing method to determine if athletes are biologically female.
The decision, spearheaded by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, reinforces the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the female category in competitive athletics.
Cheek Swab Testing to Be Implemented
Although a specific timeline for the introduction of this pre-clearance testing has yet to be announced, sources suggest that World Athletics plans to have it in place before the World Championships in Tokyo this September.
The testing will serve as a verification process for athletes wishing to compete in the female category.
Coe’s Commitment to Fair Competition
Speaking about the decision, Coe emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness in women’s sports.
“This is about more than just talking about the integrity of women’s sport; it’s about guaranteeing it,” he stated.
“We believe this testing is essential in maintaining confidence and upholding the integrity of competition.”
Support from Sports Figures
Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, who has long been vocal about trans athletes competing in women’s sports, expressed her strong approval of the decision.
Taking to social media, she voiced her support and called for medals to be re-issued to female athletes who were “unfairly robbed” in past competitions.
Legal Challenges and Scrutiny
Coe remains confident that the policy will withstand legal scrutiny.
“We live in a world where challenges are inevitable, but we are prepared to defend this decision,” he said.
He highlighted that the Court of Arbitration has upheld World Athletics’ regulations in previous cases, reinforcing their determination to protect female competition categories.
Scientific Basis for the Decision
A working group within World Athletics conducted extensive research and consultation before implementing the new rule.
The group determined that the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome, is a highly accurate indicator of biological sex.
Additional testosterone level testing may also be used if necessary.
Addressing the Performance Gap
Scientific findings presented by the working group revealed that testosterone suppression in transgender and DSD athletes does not fully mitigate the inherent male advantage in athletics.
They also noted that significant performance gaps between males and females exist even before puberty, with male athletes holding a 3-5% advantage in running events and an even greater edge in throwing and jumping disciplines.
Extensive Consultation and Feedback
World Athletics gathered input from over 70 individual groups to ensure an exhaustive and fair decision-making process.
The overwhelming response supported the implementation of biological sex testing to maintain fairness in female athletics.
Coe’s Push for Reform
This policy approval comes shortly after Coe’s unsuccessful bid for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee, where he campaigned on a platform that included protecting the female sports category.
Despite securing only eight out of 97 votes, Coe remains steadfast in his mission to ensure fairness in athletics.
A Step Forward for Women’s Sports
With this landmark decision, World Athletics is taking definitive steps toward preserving the integrity of women’s sports.
While the policy may face legal and public scrutiny, Coe and his team remain firm in their stance that protecting fair competition for female athletes is paramount.