Overview

• From September 1, athletes must record a negative SRY result to compete in the women’s category at world-ranking events, with the one-time test taken via cheek swab or blood sample.
• World Athletics says there is overwhelming athlete support for the policy and reports more than 90% of expected women at the Tokyo World Championships have already tested.
• Sebastian Coe says the screening verifies “female biology,” is not a gender test, collects no broader genetic or DNA information, and that results will be destroyed after the one-time check.
• Long jump Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo and Germany’s federation (DLV) criticize the rapid rollout as legally, ethically and logistically problematic, while Germany moves to complete certifications before Tokyo.
• Coe says the Council approved the requirement in March during the World Indoor Championships, while some commentators condemn compulsory gene tests as humiliating and discriminatory, citing past harms to athletes.