Track and Field Introduces Revolutionary DNA Testing for Female Competitors**

In a historic move, World Athletics will implement mandatory DNA sex testing for female athletes amid ongoing discussions to ensure integrity in women's sports. The tests aim to clarify eligibility criteria, especially in light of recent controversies.**

Track and field has made headlines with the announcement that it will require DNA sex testing for all athletes entering female competitions, becoming the first sport in the Olympics to enforce such a standard. This shift, heralded by Sebastian Coe, the leader of World Athletics, stems from a growing concern over maintaining fair competition standards in women’s sports.

With the upcoming world championships slated for September in Tokyo, the organization states that the tests, which involve noninvasive methods like cheek swabs and dry blood tests, will be ready in time for the event. Coe, a former Olympic champion, emphasized the importance of this measure, asserting that it is crucial to "guarantee the integrity of female sports."

The decision arises against a backdrop of heated debates regarding the eligibility of female athletes, particularly seen during the tumultuous moments of the Paris Olympics when contested qualifications led to widespread unrest. Coe expressed his commitment to “doggedly protect the female category,” a statement that reflects a larger trend within athletics to address the evolving discussions surrounding female eligibility.

Since 2023, policies have further restricted competition by barring transgender athletes from women's events, inflaming discussions on social media regarding identity, fairness, and competition. Coe, while navigating these sensitive issues, has emerged as a controversial figure in the debate over who qualifies to compete in women's sports.