World Athletics introduces genetics testing to verify female athletes
Coe confirmed that World Athletics would implement a one-time cheek swab or dry blood test, which he described as non-invasive, in an effort to ensure fairness in women’s competition.
World Athletics has approved the introduction of a cheek swab test to determine whether an athlete is biologically female, becoming the first sport to implement DNA testing for elite women athletes.
Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, described the decision taken by the federation’s Council as a "really important" step in protecting the female category.
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"It is important to do this because it reinforces everything we have been discussing, particularly in recent times—not just talking about the integrity of women's sport, but actually guaranteeing it," Coe said during a press conference following the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
"We believe this is a crucial way to provide confidence and maintain an absolute focus on the integrity of competition."
Coe confirmed that World Athletics would implement a one-time cheek swab or dry blood test, which he described as non-invasive, in an effort to ensure fairness in women’s competition.
The governing body aims to have the tests in place ahead of its outdoor World Championships in September.
The policy follows extensive consultations. "Overwhelmingly, the feedback has indicated that this is absolutely the right approach," Coe said, stressing that the swab test was not considered overly intrusive.
The announcement comes just a week after Coe finished third in the race to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), an election won by former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
Coventry has previously stated that "protecting the female category and female sports is paramount" and has proposed establishing a task force to examine the issue further.
Some have suggested that Coe’s remarks were a direct response to Coventry’s stance. However, he insisted that World Athletics is committed to action, not just discussion. "We are not just talking about it. We are doing it."
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