World Athletics decided that athletes must take a cheek swab test to check their gender before competing in the female category.

The president, Sebastian Coe, said this rule will protect women’s sports and make sure competitions are fair. The first tests will happen at the World Championships in Tokyo in September. The organization is looking for a company to do the tests. Each athlete will only take the test once in their career. Coe said World Athletics worked on this for many years. Some people believe other sports may also start using these tests.

Some people think the tests may be uncomfortable. World Athletics says they are simple and not painful, but some worry they could become more difficult. The discussion about fairness in sports continues.

