World Athletics mandates cheek swabs to ‘doggedly protect female category’

Coe seeks to ensure ‘integrity of female women’s sport’Aim is to be ready for September world championshipsSebastian Coe has vowed to “doggedly protect the female category and do whatever it takes to protect it” after World Athletics became the first sport to introduce DNA tests for elite women athletes.Coe insisted that the new policy, which he said would involve a one-time cheek swab or dry blood test that was noninvasive, was necessary to protect fairness in the female category. World Athletics hope to have testing in place in time for its outdoor world championships in September. Continue reading...

Mar 25, 2025 - 15:18
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World Athletics mandates cheek swabs to ‘doggedly protect female category’
  • Coe seeks to ensure ‘integrity of female women’s sport’
  • Aim is to be ready for September world championships

Sebastian Coe has vowed to “doggedly protect the female category and do whatever it takes to protect it” after World Athletics became the first sport to introduce DNA tests for elite women athletes.

Coe insisted that the new policy, which he said would involve a one-time cheek swab or dry blood test that was noninvasive, was necessary to protect fairness in the female category. World Athletics hope to have testing in place in time for its outdoor world championships in September. Continue reading...