Intersex athletes – level 3

Intersex athletes

11-02-2025 07:00

Imane Khelif and Caster Semenya have faced controversy regarding their eligibility to compete as women in elite sports.

The issue is linked to intersex variations, also called differences in sex development (DSD). These conditions mean a person’s biological characteristics don’t fit typical male or female patterns. While most variations don’t provide an advantage in sports, some cases raise concerns due to factors like high testosterone levels.

In the past, sports organizations used chromosome tests to determine sex, but these were later abandoned. Today, rules differ across sports federations. World Athletics requires athletes with certain conditions to lower their testosterone levels, while the International Olympic Committee focuses on inclusion and doesn’t enforce strict eligibility rules.

Semenya, who has XY chromosomes and internal testes, was banned from competing in certain events unless she reduced her testosterone. She fought against these rules, arguing that they were unfair and discriminatory. The debate continues, with scientists and sports officials divided on the issue.

Difficult words: eligibility (the right to do something), differ (to be different or dissimilar), discriminatory (treating people unfairly).

You can watch the video news lower on this page.

How do eligibility rules that require lowering testosterone levels contrast with more inclusive approaches for athletes with intersex variations, and what challenges arise from these differences?

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