The International Athletics Federation – World Athletics (WA) – is proposing stricter gender rules for the future.
A requirement that can be introduced is that female athletes must undergo a gender test. A test result must be presented that confirms the athlete's eligibility to compete in women's classes at elite level. The test only needs to be taken once in a career, according to WA's proposal.
Can be excluded
The federation banned in March 2023 trans athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in women's classes. Now WA wants female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels – such as South African Caster Semenya, multiple Olympic Games and World Championship gold medalist on 800 meters – to have the same strict rules.
For several years, hormone-reducing treatment for two years has been required for women with too high testosterone levels to be allowed to run distances between 400 meters and one English mile (1,609 meters). Now they can still be excluded from competing if they have undergone something that "resembles" male puberty, writes WA in its proposal, according to news agency AP.
The proposal has been sent out for consultation to various stakeholders in athletics. A decision on the matter is expected at the end of March.
"Risk losing women's sports"
Then it is possible that WA President Sebastian Coe will instead be appointed as the new president of the International Committee (IOK). The Briton is one of seven candidates to succeed Thomas Bach, and Coe has previously spoken about the importance of protecting women's sports.
If we do not protect women's sports and do not have clear and unequivocal guidelines for doing so, we risk losing women's sports. Personally, and as a leader of an Olympic sport, I do not want that to happen, said Sebastian Coe to news agency AFP in November.
