Ahead of the World Athletics Championships beginning on September 13, World Athletics is putting in place a mandatory gene test for all athletes competing in female categories at world-level competitions. This decision comes after events involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif raised questions about gender eligibility.
The test involves a simple procedure—either a cheek swab or blood test—that will check for the SRY gene, a biological marker linked to male sex. Each athlete will only need to take this test once during their career.
The new rules start on September 1, with member federations assigned to carry out the testing.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said this policy preserves the integrity of women’s sports by making sure all competitors are biologically female, protecting against unfair advantages.
The guidelines specify that female competition is open to biological females, biological males who haven’t undergone any male puberty, and athletes with specified differences of sex development who meet transitional requirements.
Also noted is that females using testosterone treatments under medical exemptions must wait a defined period before competing.
