Canadian and French athletes face gene test setbacks as World Athletics enforces new rules before the 2025 championships in Tokyo.
Testing Chaos Ahead of Championships
Female athletes preparing for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo face uncertainty after learning that recent gene tests do not meet official standards. The announcement comes just weeks before the global event, set for September 13–21, 2025.
Why the Tests Are in Question
Athletics Canada confirmed this week that SRY gene tests conducted at the national championships were invalid. The tests, meant to determine biological sex, were administered by Dynacare but later found to be below World Athletics’ requirements.
How Canadian Athletes Are Affected
Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentes said the federation is working urgently to provide new test kits and ensure athletes meet the September 1 deadline. “It’s a rapidly evolving situation which we’re dealing with in real time,” Gentes told Reuters, adding that testing options are being arranged in both Canada and the U.S.
International Challenges for Compliance
French athletes face additional hurdles, as the country’s Bioethics Law of 1994 prohibits such testing. The French federation has appealed to World Athletics for alternatives, and arrangements are being made at training camps and competitions outside France.
World Athletics Responds to Concerns
Jackie Brock-Doyle, Director of Special Projects at World Athletics, said federations in Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland are stepping in to provide testing opportunities during upcoming Diamond League events. She estimated that 40–50 percent of athletes have already been tested.
Why the Tests Were Introduced
The SRY gene test was approved in March 2025 and detailed on July 31. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe defended the move as essential to ensuring fairness in women’s competition. “The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step,” Coe said, stressing its role in building trust among female athletes.
What’s Next for Athletes
Despite the confusion, World Athletics has indicated that athletes who complete the test but await results may still compete in Tokyo. Any adverse findings would be reviewed after the championships. Officials maintain confidence that no athlete will be barred solely due to testing delays.
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