Gene tests begin in women's athletics
10 days ago
- #Gender Eligibility
- #Athletics
- #Sports Policy
- World Athletics introduces mandatory gene tests for female athletes to detect the presence of the Y chromosome (SRY gene) to ensure fairness in women's competitions.
- The test aims to identify athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD), who may have physiological advantages due to male puberty.
- Athletes testing positive for the Y chromosome (excluding those with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome - CAIS) are ineligible for female competitions.
- Over 90% of athletes for the upcoming World Championships have been tested, with some challenges due to legal restrictions in certain countries.
- The policy follows controversies involving athletes like Caster Semenya, who has XY chromosomes but was raised female and dominated women's middle-distance running.
- World Boxing has also adopted similar testing, while the IOC remains cautious, citing scientific complexities around sex determination.
- Critics argue the tests are overly simplistic, potentially harmful, and may lead to false positives or privacy violations.
- Supporters believe the tests protect fairness in women's sports and avoid invasive testosterone suppression requirements.
- Legal challenges are anticipated, with past rulings (e.g., Semenya's case at the European Court of Human Rights) highlighting human rights concerns.