IN A landmark move, track and field regulatory body World Athletics (WA) has mandated genetic sex testing via cheek swab test for all of its female athletes, effective last March. The decision has prompted nuanced discussions on the intersection of sports, sex, and gender, as it redefines present standards of competitive qualification.
While the sports community continues to welcome the diversity of athletes across the globe, limitations persist for female athletes who fall outside determined norms of biological eligibility.
Beyond the biological binary
Since 2023, WA limits female athletes to a maximum of 2.5 nanomolecules of testosterone per liter of blood (nmol/L) and requires a two-year compliance threshold—a significant reduction from the previous 5 nmol/L limit maintained for six months.
This ruling primarily affects female athletes with differences in sex development, polycystic ovarian syndrome, those undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy, and others with endocrine-linked conditions—pressuring them to use hormone-suppressing treatments to maintain eligibility. Meanwhile, transgender female athletes who underwent male puberty prior to transitioning have been banned from competing internationally since 2023.
Under the new policy, WA will also implement genetic screenings for the presence of the SRY gene, a marker of male-associated development, among female athletes. This rule particularly affects those with 46,XY chromosomal conditions, such as androgen insensitivity syndrome and Swyer syndrome.
Even cisgender individuals naturally vary in their hormonal profiles, with an estimated 2.3% of a normally distributed population expected to be above average in physical performance. Such a metric is an important consideration in sports, where advantages are largely dependent on genetics aside from other factors such as training and nutrition.
When asked about the WA’s move to “protect the female category,” Atenean student-athlete Mandy* expressed their approval. “[I]n track, it’s a sport that doesn’t rely on skills that much. It relies on your strength and capabilities. And honestly, biology is a really big part and it really affects how well you perform,” Mandy shared.
Testing then and now
The idea of mandatory sex testing in sports has long been mired in controversy, stretching far back to 1966. Even in previous decades, tests used compulsory genital inspections to determine sex—a method that was described as “traumatic and inhumane.”
Eventually, organizations like the International Olympic Committee and WA utilized cheek swabs to analyze Barr bodies or inactive X chromosomes. This approach was eventually phased out and replaced by the Hyperandrogenism Regulations and Eligibility Regulations for the Female Classification, focusing on testosterone levels rather than chromosomes.
However, clamor surrounding these measures did not subside, as outlier cases challenge fixed definitions of sex and eligibility.
Recent high-profile cases like Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting and Algeria’s Imane Khelif were thrust into the spotlight during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Despite firm affirmations regarding their womanhood, both athletes were subjected to online scrutiny, with speculation casting doubt on the legitimacy of their gold medal finishes. Mandy recalled reading online claims that Khelif exhibited genetic traits of a man due to her muscle density.
Adding to the issues, a 2023 medical report claimed that Khelif had male organs. In response, Khelif disputed all these claims and filed legal complaints over the online harassment and the report. In parallel, Yu-ting withdrew from a boxing event organized by World Boxing over questions about her womanhood.
These controversies underscore the ongoing discourse between gender and fairness in sports. At the heart of the matter lies the belief in the inherent lack of parity of the genetic differences between athletes of different sexes, a widely held view in gender-based competitions.
Following a similar premise, the new ruling by WA reflects this belief and, as such, brings about several complications. For example, it fails to account for the possibility of false positives and overlooks existing research studies that question the role of Y chromosome-linked genes and testosterone in elite female athletes.
Ripple effect
In the context of the Philippines, the sports most likely affected by the rule change are those operated by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), such as track and field, road running, and racewalking. All regulated sports competitions organized by PATAFA are likely covered by the new amendment, given its membership in WA.
Beyond PATAFA, Mandy recognized that the rule change may be implemented and spread to sports outside of track and field. Moreover, they added that some Philippine athletic associations may not strictly enforce the rule since their focus is entirely on doping tests rather than enforcing category restrictions.
While the change could directly impact global sporting events, the student-athlete also said that WA’s mandatory genetic sex testing may take time to be fully implemented in the country. Given the highly controversial nature of the ruling, the delay could allow uninformed onlookers significant time to better comprehend the various issues and debates concerning gender and sports.
For instance, ethical concerns have been raised on sex testing especially for female athletes, highlighting discrimination based on biology alone. The once widely accepted belief that men have a biological advantage has now been argued against by experts as an exaggeration.
This phenomenon must be expected, since as technology advances, more discoveries regarding the dynamics between sex and gender will follow. Consequently, more information will likely come to light as time progresses, potentially spurring adjacent decisions and issues in the field. Such shifts will undoubtedly continue to spark polarized reactions among athletes, athletic bodies, and spectators alike.
Editor’s Note: The name of the interviewee has been changed to protect their identity and privacy.
