World Athletics plans cheek swab tests for women's category

World Athletics has announced a proposal to implement a cheek swab test for athletes wishing to compete in the elite women's category, aimed at ensuring fairness in the sport. The new regulations would require both transgender women and athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) to prove they are biologically female by testing for the SRY gene, typically found on the male Y chromosome. This follows a 2023 ban on athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in the women's category. The proposed changes are based on new evidence indicating that a significant performance gap exists even before puberty. A consultation period with athletes is underway, with a World Athletics Council meeting scheduled to determine the timeline for these regulations. Current rules require DSD athletes to lower their testosterone levels to compete, but the new proposals aim to standardize the eligibility criteria for all athletes in the female category.