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Sports governing body World Athletics has announced that competitors entering female competitions must undertake mandatory sex testing under a new policy released amid an ongoing row about trans athletes.
The international athletics organisation said that the tests, which come as part of its campaign to “protect women’s sports,” would seek to verify if a competitor has undergone male puberty or has a difference in sex development that provides so-called “testosterone advantages.”
The body’s president, Lord Sebastian Coe, said that the pre-clearance tests will be for anyone seeking to be able to compete in any of its female categories, including track-and-field, cross country, mountain running, and other events.
Lord Coe said that the process could involve “non-invasive” tests such as cheek swabs or dry blood tests to monitor an athlete’s testosterone levels.
The decision comes following concerns over the future of trans participation in the 2028 LA Olympics, following US president Donald Trump’s declaration that there are only “two sexes – male and female.”
Harris, R. (2025, March 25). World athletics to introduce mandatory sex testing for female competitions. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/world-athletics-to-introduce-mandatory-sex-testing-for-female-competitions-13335486