Williams Believes SRY Gene Test is Intrusive

National sprinter Jodean Williams says she finds the new test for the SRY gene, a bit intrusive.

All athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the World Championships are required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, a reliable proxy for determining biological sex.

This is to be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient.

The new regulations will come into effect on 1 September 2025 and will be applied to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 that begins on 13 September.

All athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the World Championships are required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene – a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. This is to be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient.

The testing protocol is being overseen by Member Federations as they prepare their athletes and teams for the Championships in Tokyo.

Williams is among several Jamaican female athletes who’ve already done the test.

Williams admits to Nationwide Sports that having done the test, it was less stressful than she initially thought.

National female sprinter Jodean Williams.

Williams and other Sprintec athletes are travelling this week to Japan for the weeklong training camp ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo starting September 13.