World Athletics Proposes Stricter Rules for Female Athlete Participation Amid Controversy

World Athletics, chaired by Sebastian Coe, is considering new regulations that would restrict participation in female competitions, particularly affecting transgender women and athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD). According to proposals set to be reviewed in March, only those with genetically verified female characteristics and complete insensitivity to testosterone will qualify for elite female events.

Elite athletes would need to undergo genetic testing to determine the presence of the SRY gene linked to the Y chromosome. Current eligibility allows trans women with testosterone levels below 2.5 nanomoles per liter to compete, while DSD women can compete if their testosterone is reduced. The anticipated changes have drawn criticism, as highlighted by the case of South African athlete Caster Semenya, who has faced exclusion for refusing medication to lower her testosterone.

Opposition to the measures includes concerns raised by experts who argue that findings on biological differences among athletes could lead to unjust disqualifications. If approved, the regulations would redefine how sex and eligibility are determined in athletics moving forward.