World Athletics has banned transgender women from competing in elite female competitions and regardless of their levels of testosterone. According to the governing body, the decision has been taken to ‘protect the future of the female category.’

World Athletics ban transgender women

Speaking to the media, the World Athletics president, Seb Coe said that the decision would be contentious but said his sport had been guided by the “overarching principle” of fairness, as well as the science around physical performance and male advantage.

“Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to take the view that we must maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations,” he said.

“We believe the integrity of the female category in athletics is paramount,” the president added.

‘We’re not saying no forever’

Despite that, he has also stressed that he would organize a working group that would consult with transgender athletes and review any new research that emerges that can lead the players to join again.  He said, “We’re not saying any forever.’

Taking notes from recent years, the sports industry has been facing a tussle over the thorny issue of transgender participation, notably when New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard qualified for the Tokyo Olympics having transitioned in her 30s.

Testosterone levels variation

After the Tokyo event, most sports voted to allow Trans women to compete if they lower their testosterone to 5 nanomoles per litre for 12 months. However, as science is emerging, it shows that Trans women retain an advantage in strength, endurance, power, and lung capacity even after suppressing testosterone. Therefore, in January, this data led World Athletics to propose a lower testosterone limit for at least 24 months.

Despite the majority of votes, Seb Coe said there was “little support” for such a policy, with athletes and federations making it clear they wanted to prioritize fairness for female sport over inclusion.

“We entered into a consultation some months ago because we wanted to provoke debate,” he said.

“It was really important that we heard from all our stakeholders, including the athletes, the coaches and member federations. And my goodness, we heard from them,” he added.

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World Athletics to oppose by LGBTQ+ groups

According to the media reports, World Athletics’ decision is likely to be opposed by LGBTQ+ groups. Last month, the groups urged the sports to be as inclusive as possible. “The trans population may be small, but they have every right to participate in sports and enjoy the many physical, mental and community benefits of sports,” it said. “The scientific evidence base on trans people in sport is developing but is far from conclusive.”

But, this move was welcomed by a campaign group Fair Play For Women. “It is the right thing for women and girls, in line with all the scientific evidence and common sense,” it said. “We now expect to see national federations follow the lead given to them by World Athletics, to restore the talent pathway for girls and young women, and to reinstate fair sport for women of all ages.”

Strict rules for athletes with DSD

The governing body has also voted to implement strict rules on athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD).

As per the new rules and regulations, D SD athletes will have to reduce their amount of blood testosterone to below 2.5 nanomoles per litre, down from the current level of 5, and remain below this threshold for two years rather than just one, as is the case now, to compete in the female category.