“Legally questionable, ethically delicate, scientifically shortened” -Tokyo Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo had significant criticism of the mandatory sry gent tests, which was introduced at short notice, three weeks before the World Athletics Championships. The German Athletics Association (DLV) also showed its lack of understanding compared to the procedure of the World Association.
“I see this measure very critically”said Mihambo in an interview with the sports information service (SID). The two -time world champion misses the proportionality in the measure announced at the end of July. “Enormous resources are spent on a very small problem, while the really urgent topics – doping, abuse, violence in sport – continue to exist. If we speak of integrity, then we have to act at least as determined there”said the 31-year-old.
From September 1st, Sry Gente tests in athletics
As early as September 1st, athletes will have to provide the one -time proof of their biological gender worldwide before they can compete in international competitions. For the first time, the rule is used at the World Cup in Tokyo (13th to 21st September). The Sry test, the World Athletics provides, should determine the presence of the Y chromosome using a cheek smear or blood sample. WA President Sebastian Coe had justified the decision with the protection of women’s sports and the protection of fair competitive conditions.
DLV-Ace Pudenz: “Will we have to bend” “
While Mihambo the “In no time” announced measure as “Legally questionable, ethically delicate and scientifically shortened” Described, other DLV-aasses like Kristin Pudenz are also irritated. “I think it is strange that we as a woman now have to prove that we are a woman”said Tokyo’s Olympic second in the “Märkische Allgemeine”. But it was clear to her: “We will have to bend it. We have no choice if we want to be there.”
DLV at a distance to the World Association
The German Athletics Association (DLV) also commented critically on Wednesday about the introduction and its course. “The topic of genetic tests for confirmation of gender is extremely sensitive, especially in top sport. The introduction with such short -term preliminary runs the athletes, but also the association with great challenges – morally, ethically and logistically. In exchange with World Athletics, we have made this clear several times”said the senior DLV association doctor Karsten Hollander.
The association, continued Hollander, set “Due to the narrow deadlines by the World Association” so “All to enable our athletes to participate in World Athletics in accordance with the new requirements of World Athletics.”
Meanwhile, Mihambo doubts that the test will solve the crucial questions. “A single genetic test sounds like a clear solution, but is scientifically shortened and dazzles that gender is not a simple either or”said the three -time athlete of the year. “Fair competitive conditions consist of many factors – medical, psychological, structural. Those who act under time pressure here risk neglecting the actual dangers for the integrity of sport.”
After -effects of the complaint from Caster Semenya
Athletes such as the two -time Olympic champion Caster Semenya, who is classified as a person with “Deviations in Sexual Development (DSD)”, had recently demanded World Athletics that they should artificially lower their testosterone levels in order to be able to take part in international competitions.
The South African had legally proceeded against the controversial testosterone rule until the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), but had only partially received the right in the last instance. A WA working group had come to the conclusion that the applicable testosterone rule was not strict enough, and then proposed the Sry Gentest. The announcement for its introduction was finally announced on July 30th – around six weeks before the World Cup start.