On July 24 World Athletics had announced that in order for athletes to compete in women's events at the Tokyo World Championships they must undergo testing by Sept. 1 to check for the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, a determining factor in the development of male biological characteristics. Results of the testing are communicated to the athletes themselves and are not sent to the JAAF.
The lineup of the women's national team for the Tokyo World Championships will only be announced after confirmation that athletes have both met the entry requirements and undergone testing, creating concerns that some athletes may later be found to be ineligible after having already been named to the team.
At a press conference on the 26th JAAF executive Hiromichi Tasaki commented, "The diversity of physical sexes has been made clear from a medical point of view, and it is our position that this should be protected." The JAAF's official opinion is that the terms "men's" and "women's" should be understood to refer to "category titles established to facilitate the convenience of competition."
Regarding the merits of genetic testing of athletes Tasaki said, "It is an issue that requires careful discussion and judgment from a range of perspectives. Athletes who wish to participate will be made to understand in advance both that the test is a necessity and that risks may arise as a result of the testing. If athletes wish to be tested, we will provide a system under which they can undergo the testing with the highest degree of consideration for them."
Depending on the results of the test athletes may have the opportunity for a re-test, but if they are found ineligible to compete in the women's category, Tasaki said, "they may suffer social difficulties and psychological distress. This is highly sensitive personal information, and if it were to become known by others it could result in serious issues for the athletes."
Athletes can choose to abstain from testing from a human rights perspective, but in that case they will in principle be ineligible to compete in the Tokyo World Championships. For that reason the JAAF is seeking to work closely with World Athletics to obtain the necessary information and provide support and counseling to any affected athletes.
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