World Athletics Chief Coe’s Stance on Doping Bans and Sex Testing Sparks Global Debate

Summary – World Athletics President Sebastian Coe addresses controversial doping ban policies and updates on women’s sex verification testing ahead of the upcoming World Championships.,

Article –

During the 2025 World Athletics Championships press conference, Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, made significant remarks addressing two crucial issues affecting the sport globally: doping bans and sex verification testing for female athletes.

Stance on Doping Bans

Coe firmly opposed the implementation of blanket national doping bans, advocating instead for a case-by-case approach. He emphasized that while systemic doping is a serious concern, penalizing entire countries might unfairly punish clean athletes. His strategy focuses on:

• Robust individual testing
• Enhanced intelligence sharing
• Targeted investigations to identify offenders

Updates on Sex Verification Testing

On gender eligibility, Coe disclosed that over 90% of female athletes at the championships have complied with sex verification tests. These tests assess biological factors such as hormone levels and genetics to enforce the 2019 regulations on testosterone limits for athletes with differences in sex development (DSD). Coe reiterated the organization’s commitment to conducting these procedures with:

• Sensitivity
• Transparency
• Preservation of fairness in women’s athletics

Community and Media Reactions

The response from the athletics community has been mixed:

• Some support Coe’s nuanced doping sanction policy as fair and pragmatic.
• Others demand stricter national-level penalties to eliminate entrenched doping cultures.
• Athletes undergoing sex verification express a range of opinions, from compliance to calls for more inclusive policies.

Media analysts see Coe’s announcements as a boost for clean athletes and a positive sign for sponsors concerned about the sport’s integrity.

Looking Forward

World Athletics is anticipated to continue developing anti-doping strategies, potentially utilizing advanced technologies like biological passports and artificial intelligence analytics for early cheating detection. Additionally, the federation faces ongoing debates about revising sex eligibility rules based on new scientific insights and social discussions, which will shape future athlete participation and the sport’s reputation.

Sebastian Coe’s recent statements mark a critical juncture in international athletics governance as the world watches how these policies unfold during the championships and beyond.

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