The World Athletics has introduced new regulations requiring all athletes who wish to compete in the female category at world-ranking competitions to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime sex verification test.
The test, which checks for the presence of the SRY gene, comes into effect on September 1, 2025, just before the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 kicks off on 13 September.
The SRY gene test will be used as a biological marker to determine eligibility to compete in the female category.
The test will be conducted through a cheek swab or blood sample, whichever is more convenient.
It will be overseen by Member Federations, including Athletics Kenya (AK).
Once the sample is collected, it is sent to an accredited laboratory for genetic analysis.
A positive result indicates the presence of the SRY gene, while a negative result confirms its absence.
Why the test matters
The SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y) is found on the Y chromosome and is responsible for initiating male sex development.
Its presence typically indicates a biologically male profile. According to the global body, the new measure was introduced to protect the integrity and fairness of women’s sport.
"The philosophy that we hold dear in World Athletics is the protection and the promotion of the integrity of women's sport. It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
The test to confirm biological sex, he said, is a very important step in ensuring this is the case.
“We are saying, at the elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female.
It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology," he stated
“We particularly want to thank our Member Federations for their support and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations.”
The new regulations follow extensive work by the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, which studied developments in science, sport, and law, and consulted widely before making its recommendations.
Who qualifies to compete in the female category?
According to Eligibility Rule 3.5, the female category is strictly reserved for athletes who meet specific biological and medical criteria.
Primarily, this includes athletes who are biologically female.
However, there are a few carefully defined exceptions.
Athletes who are biologically female but have previously undergone male gender-affirming testosterone treatment may still be eligible, but only after serving a minimum four-year waiting period since their last use of testosterone.
This period may vary depending on the duration, dosage, and timing of the treatment, with each case evaluated individually by World Athletics.
In rare cases, biological males with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), a condition where the body does not respond to male hormones and therefore does not undergo male puberty, are also allowed to compete in the female category.
Additionally, athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSDs) may be eligible, provided they satisfy the transitional provisions laid out by World Athletics under the new regulations.
However, the current rules do not extend eligibility to transgender women, as there are currently no such athletes competing at the elite level under previous frameworks.
Transitional provisions do not apply to transgender women, as none are currently competing at the elite level under existing rules.
World Athletics insists it does not question gender identity, will respect individual privacy and dignity, and will not require surgery.
The governing body also pledges to handle all personal data with strict confidentiality.
Kenyan athletes affected
For Kenya, the regulations mean that a large number of its elite female athletes will need to be tested and cleared before being allowed to represent the country.
Athletics Kenya (AK) is expected to begin this pre-clearance process in preparation for the championships.
Among those expected to undergo the SRY gene test are sprinter Mercy Oketch, 800m stars Mary Moraa, Lilian Odira, Vivian Chebet and Sarah Moraa, and middle-distance queen Faith Kipyegon, who is also likely to compete in both the 1500m and 5000m events.
Others include Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore, and Dorcas Ewoi in the 1500m, and rising steeplechase talents Faith Cherotich, Doris Lemngole, and Pamela Kosgei in the 3000m steeplechase.
In the 5000m, Kenya will be represented by Faith Kipyegon once again, along with world medalists Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ng’etich and Margaret Akidor.
Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Ng’etich are also expected to double in the 10,000m, where they will be joined by Janeth Chepngetich.
For the marathon, Kenya’s strong lineup includes Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Jackline Cherono and Magdalene Masai.
Relay runners Mercy Chebet, Lanoline Aoko, and Esther Mbagari are also part of the mixed 4x400m pool and fall under the same eligibility requirements.
While the policy is expected to generate debate, World Athletics has emphasised that it is not questioning any athlete’s gender identity.
The organisation has pledged to uphold the privacy, dignity and data rights of all athletes and maintains that no one will be forced to undergo surgery or medical interventions.
The testing process is confidential and aligned with global data protection standards.
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