World Athletics has announced that starting in September, athletes seeking to compete in the female category at elite track and field events must undergo genetic testing to confirm their eligibility.
The new requirement will be implemented in time for the World Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13-21.
"It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling," said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. "The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case."
The test involves checking for the presence of the SRY gene, which is typically found on the Y chromosome and plays a role in the development of male physical traits. It can be carried out via a cheek swab or a blood sample.
According to World Athletics, athletes who do not have the Y chromosome will be eligible to compete in the female category at world-ranking events. Those who test positive for the gene can still participate, but only in non-ranking female competitions or in a different competition category.