What is the SRY gene test, and should it be used to test female athletes?
World Athletics has said that all athletes wishing to compete in the female category will have to take an SRY gene test, but experts are questioning the science behind the decision. Jacqui Wise reports The new regulations, which come into effect on 1 September 2025, mean that all athletes wanting to compete in the female category for world ranking competitions will have to take a one time test for the SRY gene.1 This is to be conducted by a cheek swab or blood test, with testing overseen by member federations. The World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, said that the decision was made to ensure “the integrity of women’s sport.” World Boxing also approved the use of the SRY test in May. SRY stands for sex determining region Y gene, and it’s usually found on the Y chromosome. If a human embryo has XY chromosomes, then at six weeks of development the SRY gene triggers a cascade of …
