Women’s relay team awaits gene test results

Friday, April 17, 2026 | 110 Views |

Women’s 4x100m team member, Boitshepiso Kelapile PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Botswana women's relay team is awaiting results after undergoing mandatory tests in South Africa to determine their biological sex. The move is in line with the World Athletics Council's decision to approve sex-determining region Y gene (SRY) tests, which concern eligibility conditions to compete in the women's category for world ranking competitions.

The new regulations came into effect on September 1, 2025, and were applied during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last year.

All athletes who compete in the women's categories are required to undergo a once-off test for the SRY gene, a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. The tests are conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.

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