Gene test now mandatory for female athletes, says WA

Athletes will be eligible to compete in the female category for world ranking competitions such as the World Championships only if they clear a onetime gene test in a bid to protect the integrity of women’s sport, World Athletics said on Wednesday.

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The once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, which helps in determining biological sex, can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.

The testing protocol will be overseen by member federations and the new regulations come into effect on Sept 1, ahead of the Sept 13-21 World Athletics 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,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said in a statement.