World Athletics Set to Implement Stricter Regulations for Transgender and DSD Athletes: What You Need to Know

World Athletics is planning to enforce stricter rules for transgender and difference of sex development (DSD) athletes. This includes introducing a cheek swab test for all elite athletes wishing to compete in the female category.

The recommendations stem from scientific research indicating that male advantages in athletics can be seen even before puberty. These findings prompted the World Athletics council to reconsider their existing rules, which already barred anyone who has undergone male puberty from competing in the female category.

Previously, research highlighted that trans women retained physical advantages in strength, endurance, and lung capacity, even after taking medication to lower testosterone levels. Now, with new evidence, World Athletics wants to address these concerns more rigorously. They noted that performance gaps in pre-pubertal athletes show a difference of 3 to 5% in running events and even greater in throwing and jumping events.

President Sebastian Coe emphasized the importance of keeping competition fair. He stated, “Preserving the integrity of competition in the female category is a fundamental principle of athletics.” To maintain this integrity, World Athletics is suggesting a new pre-clearance requirement, which would utilize a non-invasive cheek swab test.

This test would check for the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome, which serves as an accurate marker for biological sex. If needed, testosterone levels could also be measured through additional tests. This proposal aligns with recommendations made by a special rapporteur’s report on female eligibility presented to the UN last year.

Surveys indicate that many athletes and members of the general public oppose allowing XY athletes to compete in the female category. Current rules enable DSD athletes to compete in the female category if they maintain testosterone levels below 2.5 n/mol. This includes athletes like Caster Semenya, who were declared female at birth but have undergone male puberty.

World Athletics now aims for uniform rules for both DSD and transgender athletes. Their research indicates that testosterone suppression can only partially reduce the male advantage in athletics.

These recommendations have been shared for stakeholder consultation and are expected to be put into effect later this year.

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