FIS Approves Gender Tests for Women Athletes

It will work with national team officials on implementing the policy, which follows the lead taken by track and field’s World Athletics.

“The eligibility conditions laid out in the policy are grounded on the presence or absence of the so-called SRY gene, the sex-determining gene present on humans’ Y chromosome,” FIS said in a statement.

Essentially, “only SRY-negative competitors may compete in women’s competitions” going forward, which in turn puts the pressure on setting a timetable towards the Milan- Cortina Winter Games come February.

It clashes with current laws in France and Norway, both winter sports powerhouses, prohibiting gene testing for non-medical reasons, according to The Associated Press.

It was not clear to what extent athletes with the SRY gene have previously competed in women’s events in FIS disciplines.

• Cross-country skiing
• Ski jumping
• Snowboarding
• Freestyle

“This policy is the cornerstone of our commitment to protect women’s sport,” said the International Ski and Snowboard Federation President, Johan Eliasch

“We are convinced that there is only one fair and transparent way to do that: by relying on science and biological facts.”

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