World Athletics Introduces Swab Tests: A New Approach to Female Athlete Eligibility

World Athletics is planning to introduce a new swab test for elite athletes who want to compete in the women’s category at international events.

This test is part of a series of changes aimed at tightening the rules for transgender and difference of sex development (DSD) athletes. Earlier this year, in March 2023, World Athletics banned transgender athletes who had gone through male puberty from competing internationally. But based on new evidence, they are reconsidering their regulations for male-to-female trans athletes.

Evidence suggests there is a “significant performance gap before the onset of puberty.” Current rules for DSD athletes require them to keep their testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months to compete in female events. World Athletics now proposes that the same rules apply to both DSD and transgender athletes. They believe that testosterone suppression doesn’t entirely eliminate the advantages of male physiology.

A World Athletics council meeting next month will decide when these new regulations could go into effect. The president of World Athletics, Lord Coe, has emphasized the importance of protecting the women’s category. He stated that the proposed changes are meant to reflect the latest scientific information and ensure fair competition for all female athletes.

The cheek swab test will check for the SRY gene, which is almost always found on the male Y chromosome. This gene serves as a reliable marker for biological sex. They may also use a dry blood spot test to assess testosterone levels in addition to detecting the SRY gene.

There have been discussions about implementing mandatory sex testing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, scientists are divided on their effectiveness. Professor Alun Williams from Manchester Metropolitan University has expressed doubts about the reliability of a cheek swab alone in determining sex and any potential competitive advantage.

A consultation period for the proposals is set to take place from February 10 to March 5. During this time, only the views of athletes will be considered, and alternative proposals will not be accepted. The landscape of competitive athletics may be on the verge of significant change, shaping how events and categories are approached in the future.

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