March 24, (THEWILL) – In a move that prioritises fairness over inclusion, World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, announced on Thursday, that transgender women will no longer be allowed to compete in female track and field events, regardless of their levels of testosterone.
The new rule will go into effect on March 31 and applies to all transgender athletes, who have gone through male puberty. Coe stated that the decision was made after consulting with various stakeholders, including trans groups, 40 national federations, and the International Olympic Committee.
Coe acknowledged that many people believe there is insufficient evidence to show that trans women do not have an advantage over biological women, which is why the new rule was put in place. However, he also emphasized that the decision was not a permanent one and that a working group led by a transgender person would be created to monitor scientific developments.
He stated, “As more evidence becomes available, we will review our position, but we believe the integrity of the female category in athletics is paramount.” Along with the new transgender rule, World Athletics also amended its regulations regarding athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD).
Under the new regulations, DSD athletes must reduce their blood testosterone levels to below 2.5 nanomoles per liter and remain below that threshold for two years to compete in the female category. The most high-profile DSD athlete affected by the new rule is double Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya of South Africa.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
