World Athletics to Reinstate Chromosome Testing for Female Track Athletes

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe announced on March 25, 2025, that the governing body will reintroduce chromosome testing for female athletes to preserve fair competition in track and field. The new regulation will require athletes to undergo a single cheek swab or dry blood-spot test to detect the presence of a Y chromosome, thereby confirming their eligibility for the female category.

This decision, following extensive discussions and amid a backdrop of ongoing debates over transgender and DSD athlete participation, reaffirms World Athletics' commitment to maintaining the integrity of women's sport. Although implementation before the world championships in September remains uncertain, the federation is actively drafting the regulations, selecting a testing provider, and preparing to defend the policy legally if challenges arise.