Who Defines “She” in Sports?

Unpacking Gender, Sex Testing, and Fairness in Sports

“One is not born, but rather becomes a woman.” — Simone de Beauvoir

In the high-stakes world of sports, where milliseconds can define legacies, the question of who gets to compete as a woman is not just about biology—it’s about identity, fairness, and the ever-evolving science that governs these decisions. But who defines “she” in sports, and what does it mean for the athletes who push their bodies to the limit?

The Language of Gender and Sex: Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the complexities of sex testing, it’s crucial to understand the terminology that shapes these discussions. Misconceptions around terms like non-binary, intersex, transgender, hyperandrogenism, and the difference between sex and gender are widespread, not only in India but globally.

• Sex vs. Gender: Sex typically refers to the biological attributes (chromosomes, hormone levels, reproductive organs) that society classifies as male or female. Gender, on the other hand, is a social and cultural construct that relates to roles, behaviours, and identities that society considers appropriate for men and women. It’s important to note that gender is not binary—it exists on a spectrum.
• Non-Binary: Individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female may identify as non-binary. Their gender identity exists outside the traditional binary understanding of gender.
• Transgender vs. Intersex: Transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Intersex is a term for people born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
• Differences in Sex Development (DSDs) vs. Hyperandrogenism: DSDs are a group of rare conditions involving the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex that is atypical. Hyperandrogenism refers to the condition where an individual, typically female, has higher than typical levels of androgens, including testosterone.
• LGBTQ: An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (or Questioning). It represents a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities that challenge traditional notions of sex and gender.
• Transphobia: Refers to fear, prejudice, or discrimination against transgender individuals. This can manifest in many forms, including social exclusion, denial of rights, and violence.

The Evolution of Sex Testing in Sports: From Humiliation to Hormones

Sex testing in sports has a long and controversial history, beginning with invasive physical examinations in the early 20th century. These tests were meant to prevent male athletes from masquerading as women. However, they often resulted in humiliation and were scientifically flawed.

By the 1960s, chromosomal testing had become standard. This method aimed to identify the presence of an inactive X chromosome to verify sex. However, it was clear that sex is more complex than a simple XX or XY classification. Athletes with intersex traits were unfairly excluded due to these binary definitions.

In recent years, the focus shifted to hormone levels, particularly testosterone. The assumption was that higher testosterone levels confer an unfair advantage, leading to regulations around hyperandrogenism in female athletes.

Testosterone Takes Center Stage: The Shift to Hormonal Testing

As our understanding of sex and gender has advanced, the focus in sports has shifted from chromosome testing to hormonal analysis, particularly testosterone. This shift was driven by the belief that elevated testosterone levels could provide a significant competitive edge, leading to the implementation of hyperandrogenism regulations in elite sports.

However, the relationship between testosterone and athletic performance is far from simple. Scientific research in exercise physiology and sports medicine reveals that while testosterone does play a role in influencing muscle mass, strength, and endurance, its effects are complex and context-dependent. Factors such as genetics, training regimen, diet, and psychological resilience can all significantly alter how testosterone impacts an athlete’s performance.

For example, consider athletes like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. Phelps, with his extraordinary wingspan and unique body proportions, and Biles, with her exceptional strength and flexibility, have demonstrated remarkable physical attributes that contribute to their success. Yet, despite these natural advantages, they have not faced the same level of scrutiny or restrictions based on their inherent physical traits. Similarly, Kenyan long-distance runners, renowned for their exceptional endurance, have natural physiological traits that contribute to their dominance in distance running but are rarely questioned or regulated in the same way.

These examples underscore that natural attributes, whether they be high levels of testosterone or unique physical characteristics, can significantly influence athletic performance. The debate around testosterone regulations highlights the need for a nuanced approach to assessing performance advantages—one that recognizes the diversity of human biology and the complex interplay of various factors beyond mere hormonal levels.

In this context, it becomes clear that while hormonal testing may address certain aspects of fairness, it must be balanced with an appreciation for the broad spectrum of natural gifts and physiological variations that athletes bring to their respective sports.

The Paris Controversy: Imane Khelif and the Modern-Day Struggle

The complexity of sex testing in sports was thrust into the spotlight again during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won a gold medal, found herself at the center of a storm over her eligibility to compete in the women’s category. Khelif was subjected to sex testing and faced intense scrutiny over her gender, sparking a global debate about fairness and inclusion in sports.

Adding to the controversy, Khelif filed a cyberbullying lawsuit against prominent figures such as Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, accusing them of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and online harassment. This controversy, coupled with her historic victory, has reignited discussions about the ethics and implications of sex testing in sports, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach.

The Ethics and Science of Testosterone Regulation

The ethical implications of regulating testosterone levels in female athletes are profound. Athletes like Caster Semenya have brought attention to the disproportionate impact these regulations have on women from the Global South and those with intersex variations.

Jordan Buckwald, in his social science and policy article “Outrunning Bias: Unmasking the Justifications for Excluding Non-Binary Athletes in Elite Sport,” critiques the oversimplified link between testosterone and performance. He argues that these regulations are based on outdated notions of sex and gender, which fail to account for the complex interplay of biological and social factors in athletic performance.

From a scientific standpoint, researchers in exercise physiology and sports medicine have shown that testosterone’s role in performance is highly context-dependent. Variables such as receptor sensitivity, training regimen, and overall health play crucial roles in determining an athlete’s capabilities. This complexity raises questions about the fairness of current sex testing practices and their impact on athletes who do not conform to traditional definitions of gender.

The Indian Context: Navigating Gender in Sports

In India, where the sports community is rapidly growing and gaining international recognition, these issues are particularly relevant. Indian athletes, who often face their own set of challenges related to gender and identity, must navigate a global sports landscape that is increasingly questioning the definitions of “male” and “female.”

The Simply Periods Initiative under the Simply Sports Foundation is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and scientifically informed environment for athletes. By raising awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of the complexities of gender and performance, we aim to support all athletes, regardless of their gender identity.

Moving Forward: Towards Fairness and Inclusion

The recent controversies highlight the need for policies and interventions that are both fair and equitable. Here’s how we can move forward:

• Fairness in Policy Design: Policies should be grounded in solid scientific evidence and designed to minimize any potential advantages or disadvantages arising from biological differences. Accurate and reliable methods for testing must be consistently applied.
• Transparency and Due Process: Clear, transparent criteria and procedures for determining eligibility are essential. Athletes should be informed about these processes, and there should be a fair way to address disputes.
• Support and Education: Educating athletes, coaches, and officials about the complexities of gender and biological differences can foster a more inclusive environment. Support systems should help athletes navigate these challenges without stigma.
• Ongoing Scientific Research: Research into how biological variations impact athletic performance is crucial. This research should aim to understand and accommodate the diversity of human physiology rather than imposing restrictive measures.

Conclusion: Embracing a Fairer and More Inclusive Future

As we reflect on the evolving landscape of gender and sex testing in sports, it’s clear that we must embrace a more inclusive and scientifically informed approach. By addressing the complexities of gender and biological differences, we can create a sporting world where every athlete has the opportunity to excel on a level playing field. As Simone de Beauvoir said, “One is not born, but rather becomes a woman.” This perspective invites us to reconsider our definitions and policies, ensuring that all athletes can compete fairly and with dignity.

References

1. Buckwald, J. (2021). Outrunning bias: Unmasking the justifications for excluding non-binary athletes in elite sport. Harv. JL & Gender, 44, 1.
2. Jordan-Young, R. M., & Karkazis, K. (2019). Testosterone: An unauthorized biography. Harvard University Press.
3. Harper, J., O’Donnell, E., Khorashad, B. S., McDermott, H., & Witcomb, G. L. (2021). How does hormone transition in transgender women change body composition, muscle strength, and hemoglobin? Systematic review with a focus on the implications for sport participation. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(15), 865-872.
4. International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). (2020). IAAF Regulations Governing Eligibility of Female Classification. Retrieved from IAAF Official Website
5. International Olympic Committee (IOC). (2021). IOC Consensus Meeting on Sex Reassignment and Hyperandrogenism. Retrieved from IOC Official Website
6. Hughes, I. A. (2008). Disorders of sex development: a new definition and classification. Best practice & research Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 22(1), 119-134.
7. Furrer R, Hawley JA, Handschin C. The molecular athlete: exercise physiology from mechanisms to medals. Physiol Rev. 2023;103(3):1693-1787. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2022

Author

Manasi Satalkar is a movement and physiology enthusiast. She is a dancer, blog writer and runner. She holds a master’s in sports rehab from Manipal, post which she worked with swimmers, track and field athletes and elite women football players from Odisha. Post-working in both individual and team sports, she believes that the multidimensional nature of sport requires an individual-specific approach to understanding and improving Indian women’s sports performance.