FIS Approves Genetic Testing for Women’s Ski Events Using SRY Gene

Overview

• FIS’s board voted to introduce genetic testing for athletes entering women’s ski events to support competitive fairness.
• The eligibility check will look for the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome as the determining marker.
• Detailed guidelines are scheduled for completion by April 2026 following the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics.
• The new rule is set to take effect in July 2026, with enforcement at the 2027 World Championships and the 2027–28 World Cup season.
• President Johan Eliasch said the approach aims to protect women’s sport and called it the only fair and transparent method.