World Athletics Approves Mandatory Biological Sex Testing for Female Athletes

The policy, set to be implemented before the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, includes non-invasive testing methods to ensure fairness in women's sports.

World Athletics has officially approved mandatory biological sex testing for athletes competing in female categories, aiming to protect the integrity of women's sports.
Testing methods will include non-invasive cheek swabs and dry blood spot analysis, focusing on the SRY gene and testosterone levels as proxies for biological sex.
The policy is based on scientific evidence showing that testosterone suppression only partially mitigates male athletic advantages.
Extensive consultations with over 70 groups revealed strong support for the initiative, provided the testing remains non-intrusive.
The policy is expected to be in place by September 2025, ahead of the outdoor World Championships in Tokyo.