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World Athletics Mandates Cheek Swabs for Female Athletes

3/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

World Athletics is set to introduce mandatory cheek swabbing tests to confirm the biological sex of female athletes, a move aimed at preserving the integrity of competition. President Sebastian Coe highlighted the importance of this policy, which will be implemented for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September, following thorough discussions on gender eligibility controversies.

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Story summary

World Athletics is set to introduce mandatory cheek swabbing tests to confirm the biological sex of female athletes, a move aimed at preserving the integrity of competition. President Sebastian Coe highlighted the importance of this policy, which will be implemented for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September, following thorough discussions on gender eligibility controversies.