World Athletics Mandates SRY Gene Testing for Female Athletes—What You Need to Know

World Athletics has introduced mandatory genetic testing for female athletes competing at elite level, requiring all competitors to undergo SRY gene screening to determine their eligibility for women’s categories. The policy, which came into effect on 1 September 2025, was first implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 beginning 13 September 2025.

The new regulations require a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test via cheek swab or blood sample for all athletes wishing to compete in the female category at World Championships. A negative SRY test result permits competition in the female category; a positive result bars competition pending further medical assessment by World Athletics. Athletes who fail to undergo SRY testing as requested become ineligible to compete in the female category.

The Science Behind the Test

The SRY gene is located on the Y chromosome and produces a protein that influences embryonic development of testes and testosterone production. World Athletics has positioned this test as a reliable proxy for biological sex determination, stating the policy ensures fairness in elite female competition by preventing athletes with male androgenisation advantages from competing in the female category.

But scientists and medical experts have raised concerns about the test’s accuracy. The SRY gene alone does not definitively determine biological sex; mutations, deletions, and translocations can result in mismatches between SRY presence and phenotype. Swyer syndrome, for example, presents female phenotype despite Y chromosome presence.

The testing protocol is overseen by Member Federations as they prepare athletes for Championships. World Athletics merged its Differences of Sex Development (DSD) and Transgender Regulations as part of this policy overhaul, affirming that “gender cannot trump biology” at elite level.

Growing Controversy

The policy has drawn criticism from ethicists and human rights advocates who argue that using a single molecular determinant is inappropriate where fairness, privacy, and human rights are at stake. They warn that athletes may require genetic counselling and lifelong medical support following unexpected results.

Other sports federations, including women’s boxing, have quickly adopted similar requirements following World Athletics’ lead. The test risks generating unintended medical and psychological consequences beyond sports federation remit, according to critics.

Policy Framework

Under the new regulations, the female athlete category permits: biological females; biological females who used testosterone as part of male gender-affirming treatment (with a minimum four-year washout period); biological males with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome; and biological males with specific differences of sex development meeting transitional provisions.

The policy represents a significant shift in how international athletics governing bodies approach sex verification in sport. World Athletics has positioned the measure as necessary for maintaining competitive fairness at the highest levels of women’s athletics.

Yet questions remain about the broader implications of genetic testing in sport and whether a single gene can adequately determine athletic eligibility across the complex spectrum of human biology.

Key Takeaways

• World Athletics now requires mandatory SRY gene testing for all female athletes competing at World Championships level
• The test screens for a gene on the Y chromosome, but scientists warn it doesn’t definitively determine biological sex
• Other sports federations are following suit, expanding genetic testing requirements across elite women’s sport

What This Means for Kent Residents

UK athletes competing at World Championships level will be subject to this new testing requirement, which could affect Kent-based elite athletes pursuing international competition. NHS services may become involved if UK athletes require medical or psychological support following unexpected test results that reveal previously unknown genetic conditions. Families with aspiring young athletes should be aware that genetic testing may become a standard part of elite sport participation, and may wish to discuss the implications with their GP if their child shows signs of differences in sexual development.