World Athletics Genetic Test for Female Competitors
World Athletics Tightens Eligibility Rules, Emphasizing Biological Sex in Female Categories
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London, UK – World Athletics has reinforced its stance on the inclusion of transgender and Difference of Sex Advancement (DSD) athletes in female competition, with President Sebastian Coe stating that “gender cannot trump biology” at the elite level. The governing body has approved new regulations that prioritize biological sex for participation in female categories, a move supported by its member federations.
Biological sex as the Deciding Factor
In a clear articulation of the association’s policy, Coe emphasized the fundamental principle guiding these decisions. “We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category you have to be biologically female,” he stated. This declaration underscores a commitment to what World athletics views as fairness and the integrity of women’s sports. The council’s decision was unequivocal: ”It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology.”
The organization has been actively refining its eligibility criteria,with significant developments occurring in march. World Athletics approved the introduction of a new test designed to determine if an athlete is biologically female. This measure was part of a broader set of recommendations aimed at tightening regulations for transgender and DSD athletes.
A Stricter Approach to Transgender and DSD Athletes
The March meeting saw World Athletics implement a ban on transgender athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in the female category in international competitions. This decision, effective from March 2023, marked a significant shift in policy.
Further recommendations from a dedicated working group suggested merging the regulations for both DSD and transgender athletes. This proposal stemmed from new evidence indicating that testosterone suppression, a common requirement for DSD athletes, can only “partly mitigate the overall male advantage in the sport of athletics.”
Under the existing rules for DSD athletes, individuals are required to maintain reduced testosterone levels for a minimum of six months to be eligible for international female category events. This requirement has been a point of contention and legal challenge.
The Caster Semenya Case and Human Rights Ruling
The ongoing debate surrounding these regulations has been significantly influenced by the case of two-time Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya. Semenya, who was born with DSD, has been unable to compete in her signature 800m event since 2019, when World Athletics introduced rules limiting testosterone levels for track events ranging from 400m to the mile.
Earlier in July, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) delivered a ruling concerning Semenya’s case. The court found that switzerland’s government had violated Semenya’s right to a fair hearing when the Swiss Federal Supreme Court dismissed her 2020 appeal against World Athletics regulations. It is significant to note that the ECHR case was not directly against sporting bodies or the DSD rules themselves, but rather against the Swiss government for its role in upholding these regulations and potentially infringing on Semenya’s rights.
The World Athletics Council’s commitment to these new regulations highlights a continued focus on defining clear boundaries for participation in female sports,prioritizing biological sex as the primary determinant for elite competition. The organization expressed gratitude to its member federations for their “support and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations.”