World Athletics mandates gene tests for female category eligibility
The test for the SRY gene, which needs to be taken only once and helps in determining biological sex, can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test. World Athletics' testing protocol will be overseen by member federations and the new regulations come into effect on 1 September, in time for that month's world championships in Tokyo.
'It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling,' the World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, said. 'The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case. We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female.
'It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology. We particularly want to thank our member federations for their support and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations.'
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). World Athletics currently bans transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in women's events, while it requires female DSD athletes whose bodies produce high testosterone levels to lower them in order to be eligible.
This year, a working group found that those rules were not tight enough, with a pre-clearance test for the SRY gene being one of several recommendations the group made for revised rules. The SRY gene reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex. The test was also approved by World Boxing in May when they introduced mandatory sex testing for all boxers.
Sign up to The Recap
The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action
after newsletter promotion
This month, the European Court upheld a 2023 ruling that double 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya's appeal to a Swiss Federal Tribunal against regulations that barred her from competing had not been properly heard. Semenya was appealing against World Athletics regulations that female athletes with DSDs medically reduce their testosterone levels.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
28 minutes ago
- The Guardian
James Maddison knee injury mars Son Heung-min's Spurs' send off in Seoul
James Maddison sustained a serious looking knee injury as Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia concluded with a draw against Newcastle in Seoul on Sunday. The England international was carried off on a stretcher and appeared to be in obvious pain after going down unchallenged late in the game. Maddison, 28, missed the closing stages of last season, including the Europa League final, with a knee problem and his latest injury affects the same joint. The Spurs head coach, Thomas Frank, said: 'I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal – that's what we got today. It looks like with Madders a bad injury, and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his teammates and the respect from the Newcastle players.' The friendly, which ended 1-1, was otherwise notable for the emotional reception the departing Son Heung-min received from fans in his home city. Son, 33, confirmed this week that he is to leave Spurs this summer after a decade at the club. The South Korea international, who wore the captain's armband, was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour from players of both teams when he was substituted in the 64th minute. Son, who scored 173 goals in 454 competitive appearances for the club, said the occasion was an emotional one. The forward also thanked Frank for his understanding having told him he wishes to seek a fresh challenge. Son told the club's website: 'It was a perfect moment. Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget and I will always appreciate it – from the fans, the players and the gaffer. 'He understood my situation and was always on my side. He always listened to me and asked what I wanted to do. I have a huge respect and am very grateful.' Reflecting on his time in north London, he said: 'I wish them all the best. There are five competitions ahead and I hope they win all the five competitions. That's my wish. 'Spurs will always be in my heart and the boys will always be in my history books. It was incredible. They've gone so fast, the 10 years. I can only think about the beautiful moments, amazing moments.' Tottenham later announced the signing of the Portugal midfielder João Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich. The 30-year-old's move is subject to international clearance and obtaining a work permit, with Spurs holding an option to make it a permanent transfer next summer. Palhinha returns to the Premier League having spent two seasons at Fulham before joining Bayern in July 2024, going on to win the Bundesliga title last season and then helping Portugal to Nations League success. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'When I knew of the interest from Tottenham, I didn't need to think about it too much. I just wanted to come (here),' Palhinha told Spursplay. 'The coach (Frank) is probably the main thing which had more of an impact on my decision – when you feel that someone wants you, it means a lot and you are closer to making an easy decision. 'I will try to help to show again what I am capable to do it. Now my home is here [in London] and I will try to enjoy these moments with my family.'
Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Dina Asher-Smith set sights on World Championship success in Tokyo after defending British title in photo finish
Dina Asher-Smith tuned up for Tokyo by defending her British 200 metres title — but only after a dramatic photo finish. The 29-year-old set a UK Athletics Championships record of 22.14sec to win in Birmingham on Sunday and seal her spot at next month's World Championships in Japan. However, Asher-Smith was pushed all the way by Amy Hunt, who finished fast to clock the same time as her more established team-mate and set a huge personal best. 'It was an excellent race,' said Asher-Smith, who is back training in London after a brief stint in Texas. 'Neither of us knew who had won so we needed that photo finish. But I am happy to come here and run a fantastic time.' Asher-Smith finished fourth in the 200m at last summer's Paris Olympics, but her time yesterday would have been good enough for bronze. Asked whether she can win a second world 200m title next month, six years after her only global gold in Doha, she said: 'I would love that. I am in great shape. 'That was a great run from me and there are a few things in there I can tweak, so I am happy.' Hunt finished second ahead of Daryll Neita — who was fifth at last year's Olympics — and moves above her to third in the all-time British rankings. 'I couldn't quite get the dip on the line but that was a serious time,' said the 23-year-old, who won the 100m on Saturday. 'I have moved up to third on the UK all-time, nearly overtaking Kathy Cook. It is really exciting to be taking the step up. Going to Tokyo and being a dark horse is super exciting.' In the men's 200m, Zharnel Hughes also broke the championship record as he stormed home in 19.90sec to complete a UK sprint double after his 100m win on Saturday. 'I'm excited to see what I can do in Tokyo,' said Britain's fastest man. 'I can go a lot faster. My coach will get me much sharper. There's still over a month to go.' Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell won the women's 800m yesterday, beating Jemma Reekie in a time of 1min 59.53sec. She must now decide whether to run both the 800m — which would put her up against her training partner Keely Hodgkinson — and 1500m in Tokyo, or focus on only one of the events. 'How cool would it be to follow in the footsteps of the great Britons like Seb Coe, Kelly Holmes and Steve Cram who doubled up and were successful?' said Hunter Bell. 'It's hard to decide.' Josh Kerr, who was already assured of his place in Tokyo as the world 1500m champion, stepped up in distance yesterday to win the men's 5,000m.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Kerr feels 'strong enough' to retain world title
Josh Kerr says it "shows I'm strong enough" to defend his 1500m title at September's World Championship in Tokyo after coasting to victory in the 5,000m at the UK Athletics Championships. With Kerr already assured of GB selection and not running his preferred distance, compatriot Neil Gourlay was crowned 1500m champion for a third year running on a day when Laura Muir suffered a shock defeat by Livingston's Sarah Calvert in the women's broke clear of Rory Leonard with two laps remaining to come in nine seconds clear of another Englishman, Jack what it meant for his world title defence at the shorter distance, Kerr told BBC Sport: "It's definitely on the cards. "It was a hard effort and spending 12 and a half laps out there is a bit different and a bit more than I'm expecting, but that mile push hopefully shows I'm strong enough for five weeks time."Kerr pointed out the strength of British middle distance running."This title's been British for about three or four years and it's hopefully going to stay British for the next couple of years and it's my job to do that," he said after his win at the event in Birmingham that doubled as the British trials."We have a fantastic set of 1500m guys going after it as well, so we are in a great spot in the UK."Gourlay proved himself best of the rest and said "it feels great" after beating Englishman Elliot Giles in a sprint finish to secure the British title for the fourth time in six years."It's a bit surreal having that longevity with all the people that have been coming and going through this event," he told Scottish Athletics."It's always the challenge to come and take care of business here in terms of qualification for the world championships, but the goal was certainly to win and it feels satisfying to do that today."To win the last three is quite something given the people I've ended up being up against over these years."Jemma Reekie booked her 800m place in the team for Tokyo, but the Scot had to be content with second spot behind in-form Englishwoman Georgia Hunter Alessandro Schenini took gold in the long jump, Kirsty Law won silver in the discus and Bera Ajala was third in the men's triple jump.
