As of September 1, 2025, a new regulation by the international athletics federation World Athletics will take effect: All athletes wishing to compete in the female category at international competitions must undergo a one-time SRY gene testto verify biological sex. The rule already applies to the World Championships in Tokyo, which begin on September 13. As G.Business, reports, citing World Athletics, the measure is part of a long-term strategy to "protect the integrity of women’s sports." But this rationale has sparked widespread debate across the sporting world, political institutions, medical communities, and human rights organizations.
What Is the SRY Gene? – A Scientific Breakdown
The SRY gene (short for Sex-determining Region on the Y chromosome) exists only on the Y chromosome and plays a critical role in sex differentiation during embryonic development. Its activation leads to the development of male sexual characteristics. If the SRY gene is present, the embryo typically develops as biologically male, regardless of external characteristics or gender identity later in life.
The test is not meant to determine gender identity or presentation, but strictly the chromosomal sex – a point that World Athletics emphasizes clearly.
Why Is World Athletics Introducing This Test
The regulation is based on recommendations by the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, a commission of scientists, lawyers, ethicists, and physicians formed by the federation. Over more than a year, the group studied medical data, international legal precedents, social trends, and testimony from affected athletes. The stated goal of World Athletics is, in the words of president Sebastian Coe, to "define the female category both biologically and competitively." In a public statement, Coe said:
"We must ensure there is no biological glass ceiling for women. Elite athletics must be a fair playing field." The federation insists the measure does not oppose gender diversity but rather seeks to guarantee equal opportunity at the elite level.
Who Is Eligible to Compete Under the New Rule
The regulation is codified under the newly defined "Eligibility Rule 3.5", which outlines who may compete in the women’s category:
| Category | Eligible to Compete | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Biological females (XX) | Yes | Unrestricted participation |
| Biological females with past testosterone use | 🔶 Yes, but | Only after a 4-year break and case review |
| Biological males with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) | 🔶 Yes | No male puberty |
| Individuals with DSD (Differences of Sex Development) | 🔶 Yes | Only under transitional provisions |
| Trans women with male puberty | No | Not eligible at elite international level |
🔶 = Subject to medical review and case-by-case decision by World Athletics
World Athletics thus intentionally distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity — a move that has triggered both praise and backlash.
What About Ethics and Data Privacy
World Athletics has included a clear ethical and legal framework in its policy. According to the federation:
- No athlete will be forced to undergo surgery or hormonal treatment.
- The SRY test is only required once in an athlete’s life.
- All test results will be kept strictly confidential, in accordance with global privacy standards (e.g., GDPR in the EU).
- No athlete’s gender identity will be publicly questioned or challenged.
The federation insists the goal is clarity and fairness, not punishment or exclusion.
How Are Athletes and Experts Reacting
While some athletes — especially cisgender women — have welcomed the rule as a step toward fairer competition, others have reacted with concern or outright protest. LGBTQ+ organizations, human rights defenders, sports sociologists, and medical professionals have called the rule a direct attack on gender diversity and a misinterpretation of biological science.
Sociologist Dr. Lena Hartmann (University of Bremen) commented:
"This rule ignores the reality of intersex and gender-diverse people. Biological classification is not binary. This approach reinforces outdated power structures in sport."
Critics also argue that the assumption that trans women have a universal physical advantage is not consistently supported by long-term data — as individual physiological differences often outweigh chromosomal factors.
What Does It Mean for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships
The regulation will be enforced at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, starting September 13, 2025. National federations are required to test their female athletes in advance and submit the result during registration. Any athlete who refuses the test or is deemed ineligible cannot compete in the female category — although World Athletics theoretically allows such athletes to compete in an “open category” if one exists (none currently does at the elite level).
A Global Precedent for the Future
World Athletics is the first major global sports federation to implement such a test-based eligibility rule. Experts believe other organizations — such as those in swimming, cycling, and weightlifting — may follow with similar regulations. This decision may mark the beginning of a new chapter in international sports law, raising lasting questions around identity, performance, ethics, and inclusion.
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