"Lord Coe Enforces Mandatory Swab Tests for Female Athletes; Davies Celebrates End of Cheating"
World Athletics Introduces Cheek Swab Testing to Verify Biological Sex in Female Category
World Athletics has approved new regulations requiring female athletes to undergo cheek swab or blood testing to confirm biological sex, aiming to protect the integrity of women’s sports. President Sebastian Coe emphasized the move ensures a “guarantee” of fairness, with plans to implement the policy by the September World Championships in Tokyo.
Key Details of the Policy
The “pre-clearance tests” will screen for the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome, which influences male sex characteristics. Follow-up testosterone level checks may also occur. A World Athletics working group deemed the SRY test a “highly accurate proxy for biological sex,” citing evidence that testosterone suppression in transgender or DSD (Differences of Sexual Development) athletes doesn’t fully negate inherent male physiological advantages.
Coe stated the decision followed extensive consultation, with “overwhelming” support from stakeholders. He vowed to defend the policy legally, referencing past victories in CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) rulings on DSD regulations. “We will doggedly protect the female category,” he asserted.
Reactions and Calls for Medal Revisions
Former Olympian Sharron Davies praised the move, tweeting: “No more cheating in track and field by males in a category for females. Medals [should] be reissued for events ruined and women unfairly robbed!” Davies has long criticized the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s competitions.
Scientific Backing and Puberty Debate
The working group highlighted that male performance advantages begin before puberty, with gaps of 3–5% in running events and higher disparities in jumps and throws. This challenges previous assumptions that testosterone suppression post-puberty levels the playing field.
Impact on Athletes
Top British stars like Keely Hodgkinson (800m Olympic gold medalist) and Dina Asher-Smith (sprint specialist) will need to undergo testing. Critics argue the policy could exclude some athletes, but Coe insists it’s vital to maintain competitive fairness.
Political Context
The announcement follows Coe’s recent failed bid for IOC presidency, where he campaigned on protecting women’s sports. He received only eight votes, losing to Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry.
Looking Ahead
While no timeline is finalized, World Athletics aims to enforce testing by the 2025 World Championships. Coe remains confident the policy will withstand legal scrutiny, stating, “We’ll do whatever is necessary to protect the female category.”
Key Images (Descriptions):
- Sebastian Coe: World Athletics president announcing the policy.
- Testing Process: Illustration of cheek swab or blood sample collection.
- Sharron Davies: Celebrating the decision on social media.
- Keely Hodgkinson & Dina Asher-Smith: Competing in their respective events.
This streamlined approach ensures fairness while navigating complex scientific and ethical debates, marking a pivotal moment in sports governance.
