World Athletics Strengthens Gender Eligibility Rules with New Genetic Testing Protocol

Enhanced Gender Eligibility Regulations in Track and Field

World Athletics has introduced groundbreaking new measures to safeguard competitive fairness in women's athletics, approving a one-time genetic verification test for elite athletes competing in female categories. This decisive action follows extensive research into biological advantages in sports performance.

Key Components of the New Policy

• SRY Gene Testing: Mandatory cheek swab test to detect the presence of the SRY gene, typically found on the male Y chromosome
• Testosterone Monitoring: Additional blood spot testing to verify testosterone levels below World Athletics' established thresholds
• Pre-Clearance System: All athletes must complete eligibility verification before international competitions

Scientific Basis for Decision

"Our latest research demonstrates that testosterone suppression only partially mitigates male physiological advantages in athletics," stated Lord Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President. "These measures protect the integrity of women's competition at elite levels while being scientifically substantiated."

Updated Regulatory Framework

The governing body has merged regulations for both:

1. Transgender Athletes: Revised requirements based on new evidence about performance gaps existing before puberty
2. DSD Athletes: Maintaining 2.5 nmol/L testosterone threshold but with enhanced enforcement protocols

Implementation Timeline

• Testing protocols and approved providers to be finalized within weeks
• Full implementation before 2024 competitive season
• Retroactive testing for currently registered athletes within 12 months

Global Sporting Context

This announcement coincides with:

• Continued ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes due to Ukraine conflict
• Ongoing monitoring of neutral athlete participation policies
• Preparations for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification standards

"These changes aren't about exclusion, but about protecting decades of progress in women's athletics," Coe emphasized during the council meeting in China. "We owe it to all female athletes to guarantee fair competition conditions."