World Athletics brings in gene tests for female category eligibility

Track and field athletes aiming to take part in the female category in elite competitions will have to take a gene test from September, World Athletics has announced. The test will be in place in time for the World Championships which take place in Tokyo on September 13-21. “It is really important in a sport […]

Track and field athletes aiming to take part in the female category in elite competitions will have to take a gene test from September, World Athletics has announced.

The test will be in place in time for the World Championships which take place in Tokyo on September 13-21.

“It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling,” said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.

“The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case.”