Key Takeaways:

• World Athletics has approved a one-time genetic test for female athletes competing in women's events.
• The test, aimed at evaluating the presence of the SRY gene, will be conducted via a cheek swab or a dried blood spot analysis.
• This decision follows ongoing debates on eligibility criteria concerning transgender and DSD athletes.
• The regulations are designed to be straightforward, requiring each athlete to undergo the test only once in their career.
• World Athletics aims to uphold the integrity of women's sports amidst growing concerns over biological advantages.

In a significant move towards tightening eligibility regulations in athletics, World Athletics, led by president Sebastian Coe, announced the introduction of a one-time genetic test for female athletes wishing to compete in women's events. This policy, which follows discussions at the latest council meeting, aims to address long-standing questions regarding biological advantages in sports, particularly concerning transgender and athletes with differences in sex development (DSD).

The genetic test will focus on identifying the SRY gene, which determines male sex in most mammals. Athletes will utilize a simple procedure such as a cheek swab or dried blood spot analysis, required only once throughout their sporting careers. Coe emphasized that the goal is to establish clear standards for eligibility, stating, "We'll doggedly protect the female category and do whatever it takes to do it," as reported by Reuters.

This regulation update comes on the heels of World Athletics' decision in March 2023 to bar transgender women who have undergone male puberty from women's competitions. As the organization evaluates the current guidelines for DSD athletes—who are required to lower their testosterone levels—the new recommendations, based on evidence indicating a performance gap prior to puberty, will affect how both DSD and transgender athletes compete in the future.

Looking ahead, Coe indicated that World Athletics will seek a testing provider and finalize the implementation timeline for the SRY testing process within the coming weeks. He believes this initiative will not only maintain the "integrity of women's sport" but will also provide confidence among athletes about competition fairness.

In addition to the new eligibility tests, World Athletics plans to increase prize money for Olympic champions and has confirmed consistent sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes, maintaining their ban from competitions due to ongoing geopolitical tensions following the invasion of Ukraine.

The advocacy for integrity in women's sports continues to be a priority for World Athletics, as they navigate the complexities of modern athletics and its diverse participating groups. For more details, visit Channel News Asia.