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Swab tests set to decide female athlete eligibility


Published on 2025-02-10 18:25:58 - MSN
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  • World Athletics plan to introduce a swab test for elite athletes who wish to compete in the women's category at international events, tightening eligibility regulations for transgender and difference of sex development (DSD) athletes.

The article from MSN discusses the contentious issue of sex verification in sports, focusing on the use of swab tests to determine female athlete eligibility. It highlights the case of Christine Mboma, a Namibian sprinter, who was barred from competing in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics due to her naturally high testosterone levels, which are considered to give an unfair advantage in certain events. The article explains that World Athletics has set regulations requiring athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) to reduce their testosterone levels below a certain threshold to compete in women's events. These regulations have sparked debate over fairness, ethics, and human rights, with critics arguing that they are discriminatory and fail to account for natural biological variations. The piece also touches on the broader implications of these tests, including privacy concerns, the psychological impact on athletes, and the ongoing discussions about how best to ensure a level playing field in women's sports while respecting individual rights.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/athletics/swab-tests-set-to-decide-female-athlete-eligibility/ar-AA1yLWHc ]