Track’s proposed eligibility, transgender rules would completely ban Semenya and others
World Athletics has taken a significant step towards implementing new rules that would impact athletes who were assigned female at birth but have higher levels of testosterone, such as Caster Semenya. The organization, which previously banned transgender athletes who transitioned from male to female after undergoing male puberty, has now announced recommendations that would subject athletes with naturally occurring testosterone levels in the typical male range, like Semenya, to strict transgender rules.
Previously, athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) like Semenya were required to undergo testosterone-suppression therapy for two years to be eligible to compete. However, under the new rules, they may be deemed ineligible regardless of whether they have undergone hormone therapy. Additionally, the new guidelines would eliminate any exceptions for transgender athletes who have not undergone male puberty, although there are currently no such athletes competing at the highest levels of track and field.
One of the proposed changes includes reinstating chromosome testing, requiring female athletes to undergo a genetic test to determine the presence of a “Y” chromosome typically found in males. This move aims to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of competition in the female category.
The recommendations put forth by World Athletics could impact a small number of high-level runners, including Semenya, who has been at the center of a legal battle challenging the organization’s regulations. Despite rulings from various courts, including the European Court of Human Rights, the outcome of Semenya’s protests remains uncertain.
In response to concerns that the new rules could exclude certain athletes from elite competition, World Athletics has proposed measures to address any potential impact on DSD athletes. One suggestion is the introduction of a mixed-gender category in certain events to accommodate affected athletes.
World Athletics emphasizes that the proposed changes are based on the latest scientific, sporting, and legal developments. The organization acknowledges that factors beyond male puberty, such as body structure and physiology, contribute to performance gaps between male and female athletes.
The governing body has initiated a “consultation period” for stakeholders to provide feedback on the recommended rule changes until March 5. The final decision on adopting the rules is expected to be made at a council meeting in late March, coinciding with the selection of a new president for the International Olympic Committee.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, a former Olympic champion, has been vocal about safeguarding the integrity of the female category in track and field. He has called for a unified approach to transgender regulations across sports, urging the IOC to take a leading role in the debate.
In light of recent developments, including a controversial executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding transgender athletes, the discussion around fair competition and inclusion in sports continues to evolve. World Athletics remains committed to upholding the principles of fairness and integrity in athletics, as reflected in the proposed rule changes.
