As of 31 March 2023, the World Athletics Council increased restrictions on DSD athletes in all women events.
These include that all women events will have a stricter limit on testosterone of two and a half nanomoles per litre.
Differences in Sex Development (DSD) athletes must suppress their testosterone levels below two and a half nanomoles per litre for six months before being eligible to compete again and that testosterone levels must be suppressed for two years for events from 400m through the mile and for DSD athletes who have not already been competing.
The new changes have not been welcomed by Athletics Namibia (AN).
“AN finds the regulations discriminatory, unfair, stigmatising and not safeguarding all women in sport. AN is disappointed that athletes are being required to change their natural conditions to be able to be eligible to compete,” said Athletics Namibia in a media statement.
The new regulations are likely to affect Namibia’s athletes Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi.
“AN is disappointed in the manner in which the new regulations are being enforced considering that it makes affected athletes ineligible to compete in major upcoming international competitions including the World Athletics Continental Tour events, the Diamond League series and the World Championships this year.
“AN Namibia will use the platforms available within the World Athletics structures to engage on the issue and with other stakeholders and developmental partners to convince World Athletics to relook the science and ensure fairness and non-discrimination of the athletes affected by these regulations.
“Athletics Namibia calls for fairness and for a policy that allows all athletes unhindered access to the sport they love. Athletics Namibia will allow all its athletes in Namibia to take part in the events of their choice and duly recognise performances at its competitions including national records.”
In the photo: Namibia’s top sprinters Beatrice Masilingi and Christine Mboma.
