The International Athletics Federation requires genetic testing for women to compete in competitions

The measure comes into effect on September ¹ , 13 days before the start of the World Athletics Championships (September 13-21) in Tokyo, Japan. "All" athletes wishing to take part in competitions that count towards the world ranking in the women's categories will have to undergo a genetic test, the international federation, World Athletics, announced in a press release on Wednesday, July 30.

This test for the "SRY gene" reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, "a reliable indicator for determining biological sex," the body explains. It will only be carried out once, under the supervision of member federations, using a buccal swab or a blood sample.

For World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, this new regulation aims to ensure "the protection and promotion of the integrity of women's sport." The Briton further elaborated in the body's text: "It is essential, in a sport that constantly strives to attract more women, that they enter this discipline with the conviction that there is no biological glass ceiling."

The issue of eligibility criteria for participants has been a topic of debate in the athletics world for several years, amid questions about the potential biological advantages of transgender athletes or those with differences in sex development (DSD).

The body already prohibits athletes who have reached male puberty from competing in women's events, and requires those whose bodies produce high levels of testosterone to reduce those levels to be allowed to compete. Earlier this year, however, a working group found these rules were not strict enough and recommended introducing testing for the SRY gene.

At the end of May, the World Boxing Federation, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, also decided to implement a similar measure for its competitors, both men and women.