Overview

• The federation confirmed that remaining genetic checks will be conducted in Tokyo for athletes from France, Norway, and some France‑based competitors.
• Entry to the women’s category requires a completed SRY test with a reported “female” result before competition begins.
• Sebastian Coe defended the mandate as necessary to protect the women’s category and the integrity of women’s sport.
• Experts note the screen detects the presence of a Y‑linked SRY sequence via cheek swab or blood draw but does not assess gene functionality, limiting what it can reveal about intersex variations.
• Athletes voiced objections, with Malaika Mihambo calling the rule legally and ethically problematic, Kristin Pudenz questioning the need to prove womanhood, and Christina Honsel warning that federation-run testing lacks independent verification.