Gene tests introduced in women’s athletics as new rules take effect

A new rule requiring all female athletes in world ranking competitions to undergo a one-time genetic test has come into force this week.

The measure, announced by World Athletics, is designed to safeguard the women’s category by checking for the presence of the SRY gene, which is linked to male development. Supporters see the move as a long overdue step towards fairness, while critics say it raises scientific, legal, and ethical concerns.

What The New Test Looks For

The test searches for the SRY gene, a section of the Y chromosome that triggers male development during puberty. When present, it typically leads to the formation of testes and increased testosterone levels, which in turn influence muscle mass and strength. Athletes who have XX chromosomes, and therefore no SRY gene, fall within the female category.

Complications arise for athletes born with differences in sex development (DSD). Some individuals may be registered as female at birth and raised as such, but still have XY chromosomes. In these cases, the test is intended to clarify eligibility. World Athletics says anyone who tests positive will be further assessed, and only those with conditions like complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), which prevents the body from using testosterone, will remain eligible to compete as women.

The introduction of such a clear-cut rule has also invited comparisons with other regulated systems. Just as punters look at the list of betting exchange sites before placing wagers, ensuring they understand the rules of each platform, governing bodies are now applying a fixed measure to decide who qualifies for women’s competition. The point in both cases is the same: outcomes must be trusted, and confidence relies on transparent rules.

How The Testing Will Be Done

Each athlete only needs to take the test once. The process involves either a cheek swab or a small blood sample, which is submitted to their national federation. So far, more than nine out of ten athletes set to compete at the next World Championships have already completed the process, with the remaining tests due shortly before competition.

There have been some hurdles. Athletes from France and Norway, for example, had to travel abroad because domestic law prevents genetic testing outside of medical contexts. In Canada, a technical issue meant several samples had to be redone. Despite these complications, Lord Coe, president of World Athletics, insists that athletes have shown broad support,…