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World Athletics has introduced a cheek swab test to verify if an athlete is biologically female, a decision aimed at protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
Sebastian Coe, President of the International Track and Field Federation, announced the decision on Tuesday, describing it as a “really important” step in maintaining fairness in female competitions.
“It’s important to do this because it ensures everything we’ve been advocating for—protecting the integrity of women’s sports and guaranteeing fair competition,” Coe said during a press conference following the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
The decision was made after extensive consultations, with overwhelming support for the cheek swab test, which Coe emphasized is not overly intrusive.
“We will doggedly protect the female category and take whatever steps are necessary to do so,” he stated, adding that the policy is legally robust and can withstand challenges.
This move comes shortly after Coe finished third in the race for the International Olympic Committee presidency, which was won by former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
