Inside the Controversial Genetic Testing Rule Reshaping Women’s Athletics

Summary – World Athletics’ new one-time genetic testing requirement for female category eligibility has ignited debate and could change the future of track and field competition.,

Article –

World Athletics, the global authority for track and field, has introduced a controversial new regulation requiring all athletes competing in the female category to undergo a one-time genetic test to confirm their eligibility. Announced in 2025, this rule marks a significant shift in gender verification within international athletics and has ignited widespread debate concerning fairness, privacy, and gender definitions in sports.

Setting the Stage

For many years, athlete eligibility in gender-specific categories has been a contentious issue, especially regarding athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) and transgender competitors. Previously, World Athletics used testosterone level limits and physiological criteria to define female eligibility. The new regulation introduces a genetic test aimed at verifying biological sex characteristics to provide objective clarity and address concerns related to fair competition.

The Turning Point

This policy change was triggered by ongoing controversies and high-profile cases questioning athletes’ eligibility. Many female athletes and advocacy groups demanded clearer and more objective guidelines to protect cisgender women’s opportunities in track and field. World Athletics emphasizes that the rule is designed to clarify eligibility criteria, not to exclude, with the genetic test focusing on chromosomal sex markers and biological traits aligned with the female category.

Tactical and Technical Breakdown

Genetic testing in the context of sport involves:

• Analysis of chromosomal patterns (XX for female, XY for male).
• Evaluation of genes related to hormone production and physical development.

However, the complexity of biological sex, including conditions like androgen insensitivity syndrome, challenges traditional binary models. World Athletics intends to use a scientifically robust and respectful testing protocol that minimizes invasiveness by making the test a one-time requirement. This change could affect team strategies, athlete selection, and competition results — particularly in sprint and middle-distance events where biological differences can confer advantages.

Reactions from the Sport

The athletic community’s response has been mixed:

• Supporters view the rule as a necessary step to uphold fairness and protect the integrity of women’s competitions.
• Opponents, including transgender and intersex advocacy groups, express ethical concerns, potential stigmatization, and privacy risks related to mandatory genetic testing.

World Athletics has committed to transparency and strict confidentiality in handling athletes’ genetic data.

What Comes Next?

The rule’s implementation will be closely monitored. Current athletes must comply within a set timeframe, while new competitors must complete the test before eligibility approval. The policy’s influence might extend beyond athletics, inspiring similar regulatory approaches across other sports, media, and sponsorship landscapes.

This new mandate brings forth critical questions about balancing biological factors with inclusivity, ethical genetic testing practices, and the evolving understanding of gender in sport. The ongoing debate will likely reshape women’s athletics and spark further global discussions on gender verification standards.

About The Author

Mitali

See author's posts