Transgender runner slams ‘slippery slope’ gene tests

United States: Transgender and non-binary US distance runner Nikki Hiltz criticised World Athletics’ plans to introduce gene testing for female athletes on Saturday, saying the move would be a ‘slippery slope.’

Hiltz was assigned female at birth and came out as transgender and non-binary in 2021, and uses they/them pronouns. The US runner described the introduction of gene tests as ‘disappointing.’

“Sex testing is a slippery slope,” Hiltz said after her victory in the women’s 1,500m at the US trials in Oregon.

“Obviously, I’m gonna do it. I’m not gonna, like, protest it or anything. I just don’t like the precedent that it sets,” they said.

World Athletics has said its test – which is carried out using a cheek swab or blood test – is ‘extremely accurate,’ with false positives or negatives seen as ‘extremely unlikely.’ Hiltz, however, expressed concern that other sporting federations might use more invasive techniques.

“If this is the top (of the sport) setting these rules, how does this trickle down to the NCAA or youth programs?” they asked.

“Sex testing can be very invasive. Like this is just like a harmless cheek swab. Maybe for different organisations, it’s not that. And that scares me.”