World Athletics has approved the use of cheek swab tests to determine if an athlete is biologically female.

The organization announced the decision on Tuesday.

The decision was made by the body’s Council, with Sebastian Coe, president of the International Track and Field Federation, calling it a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of the female category in sport.

“It’s vital to maintain the integrity of women’s sport, and this test is an essential part of ensuring that,” Coe said in a press conference following the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. He emphasized the importance of taking action to preserve the fairness of female competition.

The decision follows extensive consultations, with Coe stating that the overwhelming majority supported the introduction of the test.

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While acknowledging concerns, Coe reassured that the swab test would not be intrusive.

He also expressed confidence that the policy could withstand legal challenges, citing the previous success of World Athletics’ regulations on differences in sex development , which had been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“We will continue to protect the female category in sport, and we’re prepared to face any challenges that come our way,” Coe affirmed.

This announcement comes just days after Coe finished third in the race for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee, which was ultimately won by former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry.

Punch