Sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan will be among female athletes required to undergo a mandatory genetic gender test under new regulations introduced by World Athletics.
The global athletics body announced that, starting September 1, all athletes competing in the female category at international competitions must complete a one-time genetic test to confirm their biological sex.
The test will detect the presence of the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome, using either a cheek swab or blood sample.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the new policy is intended to ensure fairness in female categories.
“We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female,” Coe said.
“It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology.”
The policy follows the recommendations of the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group and merges existing regulations concerning transgender and DSD (Differences of Sex Development) athletes into a single requirement applicable to all female competitors.
Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles and 2022 world champion, is scheduled to compete at the Nigerian Championships in Lagos from August 1–3.
The event will serve as part of her preparations for the World Championships in Tokyo, which begin on September 13.
She is among the athletes expected to undergo the test ahead of the competition.
