Women Athletes Are Obligated to Undergo Genetic Testing for the World Athletics Championships Following the Imane Khelif Olympic Uproar

How does mandatory genetic testing for female athletes align with the goal of protecting women’s sports?

Imagine training your whole life for a chance to compete on the world stage, only to face a new hurdle before you can even step onto the track.

That’s the reality for female athletes preparing for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set to begin on September 13, 2025.

A new rule has sparked debates across the sports world, and it all stems from a controversial moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What’s behind this change, and how will it affect athletes?

Mandatory Genetic Testing for Female Athletes

World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, announced that all female athletes must take a one-time genetic test to compete in the women’s category at world-ranking events, starting September 1, 2025.

The test checks for the SRY gene, which is usually found on the Y chromosome and linked to male characteristics. Athletes can provide a cheek swab or blood sample, and the results will determine their eligibility.

If an athlete refuses the test or tests positive for the SRY gene, they cannot compete in the female category at elite events like the World Championships. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe explained that the rule aims to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of women’s sports, stating, “We want women to compete in a sport where there’s no biological glass ceiling.”

This decision follows a high-profile controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold at the 2024 Olympics but faced scrutiny after being disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships for failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.

The debate around Khelif’s eligibility, despite her being born and raised as female, has fueled discussions about how sports organizations define and verify gender.

Why the Change and What’s at Stake?

The new rule comes after years of debate about fairness in women’s sports, especially for athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) or higher testosterone levels. World Athletics says the SRY gene test is a reliable way to confirm biological sex, but critics argue it oversimplifies complex issues.

For example, some women may have the SRY gene due to rare genetic conditions but still identify and live as female. Athletes like Caster Semenya have faced similar challenges, fighting rules that required them to lower testosterone levels to compete.

The testing will be managed by national federations, with results taking one to two weeks. World Athletics will cover up to $100 per test to make it accessible. However, athletes who fail or skip the test can still compete in non-ranked events, which could limit their careers at the elite level.

The rule has also raised concerns about privacy and discrimination, with some calling it invasive despite Coe’s assurance that the tests meet international medical standards.

Looking Ahead: A Fair or Flawed System?

The introduction of mandatory genetic testing has divided opinions. Supporters, including Coe, believe it ensures a level playing field for women in sports. Others, including advocacy groups like GLAAD, argue it risks unfairly targeting athletes based on biology rather than identity, potentially creating unsafe environments.

The rule’s timing, just before the Tokyo Championships, adds pressure on athletes to comply quickly. As the sports world watches, the debate over fairness, science, and inclusion continues to evolve.

This new policy marks a significant shift in how sports organizations handle eligibility. Whether it will set a precedent for other sports or spark further controversy remains to be seen. For now, female athletes face a new reality as they prepare for the global stage.

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