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In a development that has sent shockwaves through the international athletics community, female athletes from several countries are facing an urgent scramble to comply with new World Athletics genetic testing regulations ahead of the World Championships, scheduled for September 13–21 in Tokyo.
Athletics Canada had commissioned Dynacare to conduct SRY gene tests—a genetic assay designed to confirm biological sex—during their most recent national championships. However, an internal communication to athletes, reviewed by Reuters, revealed that the test kits used did not meet standards required by World Athletics. As a result, Canadian athletes must now retake the tests before the September 1 eligibility deadline, with a new round of kits being dispatched across North America.
Similar complications have emerged in France, where government authorities have deemed the mandatory genetic testing illegal under longstanding bioethics laws, leaving female French athletes seeking alternative testing venues outside the country. The French Athletics Federation has expressed hope that World Athletics will swiftly devise solutions to allow their athletes to compete without legal conflicts.
World Athletics approved the use of SRY gene tests at a March council meeting as part of its long-debated efforts to clarify eligibility for women’s events. While the move aimed to set clear standards, implementation has now sparked confusion and operational headaches. According to World Athletics, roughly half of all affected athletes have already been tested. For those still awaiting results post-deadline, participation in the Tokyo championships will be permitted, though subsequent scrutiny remains possible.
Jackie Brock-Doyle, Director of Special Projects for World Athletics, downplayed fears of mass disqualification, noting efforts to coordinate testing at upcoming international meets and training camps—especially in nations hosting pre-championship events, such as Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland. Nevertheless, the governing body acknowledged that many federations remained in the dark about technical details until late July, complicating last-minute compliance.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has insisted the process is straightforward and vital for protecting fair competition in women’s sport. Yet critics allege the rollout has been rushed, raising questions about adequate implementation and fairness for athletes caught in a regulatory gray zone.
“Would it have been preferable to have more time? Perhaps,” Brock-Doyle conceded. “But the reason for selecting the world championships is that it encompasses approximately 80% of our elite female athletes.”
As the clock ticks toward key deadlines, athletes and federations alike face unprecedented logistical and ethical hurdles, even as the spotlight remains fixed on the pursuit of equity and integrity in global sport.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult relevant authorities for official guidance.
Reference: Reuters. “Athletics-New gene tests system in disarray ahead of world championships.” August 15, 2025.
