World Athletics has begun a consultation period for an updated set of regulations for transgender and difference-of-sex development (DSD) athletes, with a cheek swab test among several proposals being considered, the governing body said on Monday.

In 2023, track and field’s global governing body voted to ban transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in women’s events and announced the formation of a working group to further study the issue of trans inclusion.

In the findings announced by the working group on Monday, it said exclusively basing the regulations on whether or not an athlete had gone through male puberty was wrong.

“New evidence clarifies that there is already an athletically significant performance gap before the onset of puberty,” it added.

“The childhood or pre-pubertal performance gap in the sport of athletics specifically is three to five per cent in running events, and higher in throwing and jumping events.

“New evidence establishes that athletic disadvantages associated with female body structure and physiology contribute to the performance gap.”

The working group laid out five recommendations, including formally affirming the design of the female category, revising eligibility regulations and adopting a pre-clearance requirement for all athletes competing in the category.

It also suggested putting female DSD athletes – like double Olympic 800-metre champion Caster Semenya – under the same set of rules as transgender athletes.

Under World Athletics’ current rules, female DSD athletes must lower their level of testosterone to below 2.5 nmol/L for at least six months to compete. This can be done medically or surgically.

“The current TG regulations exclude transgender women who have experienced male puberty, while the DSD Regulations provide that XY DSD athletes with the same experience are included,” the working group said.

The working group recommended the use of a sex screening method like a cheek swab or dry blood spot analysis for athletes wishing to compete in the elite female category, which would test for the male-determining SRY gene.

The consultation period for the working group’s proposal began on Monday and will continue until March 5.

‘CLEAR POLICIES’

World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe said it was vital for the guidelines to be updated.

“World Athletics is a leader in preserving the female category in sport and one of the first international sports federations to establish clear policies on female eligibility in elite sport…,” he added.

“Preserving the integrity of competition in the female category is a fundamental principle of the sport of athletics and we look forward to this collaborative consultation process with our key stakeholders in this area.”

Transgender inclusion in sport has been widely discussed in recent weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump this month signed an executive order attempting to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports.

Transgender advocacy groups say excluding trans athletes amounts to discrimination.

Critics of transgender inclusion in women’s sports say going through male puberty imbues athletes with a huge musculoskeletal advantage that transition does not mitigate.

-Reuters

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As preparations intensify for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, key figures in the sports and fitness industry have expressed their eagerness to volunteer and contribute to the event’s success.

 The marathon, set for March 1, 2025, is part of activities to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.

With thousands of runners expected to participate in the 21-kilometre half marathon and the 5-kilometre race, volunteers will be crucial in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. 

Gabriel Okon, the Race Director emphasized the significance of volunteers in an event that dedicated individuals to handle various logistical and operational aspects. 

“Marathon is not just about the runners; it’s about the team behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful race, from registration and logistics to hydration stations and medical support. Their role is invaluable in making the event smooth and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.  

Application for volunteers opened Monday, February 3, 2025, and interested applicants can pick up a form at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria office, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package A, Abuja.

Members of the sports family including athletes, coaches, fitness trainers, and others have pledged to support the event in different capacities, from technical assistance to race coordination and mentorship for young runners. 

Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, Okon remarked, “The enthusiasm we are seeing from volunteers is inspiring. From retired directors in the ministry, elite athletes, to community fitness trainers, so many people are eager to be part of this celebration of unity and athleticism. This is more than just a race—it’s a movement that brings people together for a greater cause.”  

Beyond the competition itself, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon represents an opportunity to promote health, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports. 

With over $71,000 in prize money up for grabs, the event is expected to attract elite runners while also encouraging participation from amateur fitness enthusiasts. 

Okon stressed that the marathon is not only about athleticism but also about making a lasting impact. “We want this marathon to leave a lasting legacy beyond race day. It’s about inspiring people to embrace fitness, fostering friendships across borders, and promoting a culture of healthy living,” he said.  

Interested participants can register at www.ecowasabujamarathon.org or visit the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) offices, FCT Sports councils, and local athletics associations across Nigeria. 

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BY JAVIER CARRO.

The forward-looking vision seems to chart the course for Yusuf Ali after being appointed this week as CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Nigeria.

In statements to The Guardian, he said on Wednesday that Los Angeles 2028 will be decisive.

The new Chief will not be alone. The NSC officially announced the composition of the rest of the team, which will include 13 members, among whom are prominent figures such as Olympians Mary Onyali and Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, as well as sports development experts like Professor Ken Anugweje.

Yusuf Ali, CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC)

Ali, known for his historic 8.27-metre jump at the 1989 African Athletics Championships, will lead them all.

For Ali, the next Olympic appointment will serve as a key indicator of the success that the policies implemented by the board may hold.

 “The 2028 Games will be an important test of how much effectiveness has advanced, and this will also be reflected in other international sporting commitments of the country before that date,” he stated.

The main objective pursued by this arm of the NSC, according to Ali, is none other than to achieve outstanding sporting success that leads to visible results.

 “Our mandate seeks to achieve excellent performance in all disciplines, which will lead us to be present on the podiums and in the various international sporting commitments,” he noted.

Ali, who was previously president of the Edo State Sports Commission, stated that his appointment symbolises national recognition for the work he has been doing over the years in favour of sports development.

In the same vein, he assured that his new position presents him with a significant challenge: to offer the best to place the Nigerian sports sector at the top, making it the engine of an activity that becomes profitable for all those who participate in it. From this perspective, his idea is to turn sport into an economically attractive and sustainable industry.

“In countries with very strong development and implementation policies, sport is a huge business, and that is the goal of the National Sports Commission’s leadership.

We want a multi-million naira sports industry that generates income for both the nation and the participants,” explainedAli. The NSC expects this project to contribute 5% of the national GDP and generate between 3 and 4 billion dollars (€2.9/4.2 bn) in net annual income by 2027.

Ali made it clear that the seed of good international sports performance begins with the implementation of strong national policies.

“Great elite performance involves ensuring solid talent identification and development, fostering continuous coach training, and ensuring adequate funding allocation in the form of training grants for athletes and coaches.

This will be the core of the board,” he stated.

Beyond accumulating in athletics a record that shines with a national long jump record that has been in place since 1989 and the three medals he won in that championship, Ali also has an important track record dedicated to sports management.

 In 2022, the then Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, appointed him as Nigeria’s coordinator for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. On that occasion, the team returned home with 12 gold medals.

The composition of the NSC Board is made up of carefully selected experts, as highlighted by the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade.

“All committee members were selected for their experience and knowledge to help Nigeria achieve sustainable success on the podium,” he noted.

-Inside The Games

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