In a groundbreaking move for women’s sports, World Athletics has officially approved a new cheek swab test to determine if an athlete is biologically female. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has sparked intense conversation and raised questions about the future of gender verification in competitive athletics.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, emphasized the significance of the decision, calling it a “critical step” in preserving the integrity of female sports. Speaking at a press conference following the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Coe explained that the test is designed to safeguard the “female category” in sports by ensuring fairness and confidence in competition.
“This is about maintaining the integrity of women’s sport, not just talking about it,” Coe stated. “We’ve had extensive consultations, and the overwhelming response was clear: this is the way forward. We want to protect the category, and this test is a necessary measure.”
The non-intrusive cheek swab test has been praised for its practicality and non-invasive nature, a relief to those concerned about more invasive methods. Coe also expressed confidence that the policy would withstand any potential legal challenges, reflecting the organization’s commitment to defending the female category in sports.
“We’ve already faced legal battles, and our regulations on Differences of Sex Development (DSD) were upheld in the Court of Arbitration,” Coe said, reinforcing World Athletics’ unwavering stance. “We’re prepared to face any challenge head-on to ensure women’s sports remain fair.”
This announcement comes just a week after Coe’s bid for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee ended in a third-place finish, with former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry taking the top spot.
As the sports world watches closely, the decision marks a new era in gender verification, sparking debates on fairness, inclusion, and the future of athletics.
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