In a video about the problem of gender testing in sports, the author highlighted several assumptions about gender that need to be confronted. First, many people are convinced that women cannot be equal to men in sports, which is a good example of gender inequality. A great example is that many female representatives can be stronger than men. Also, people believe that if a woman does not fit the description of a classic member of that gender, she can only be called a woman after some testing. Everyone has the right to look how they want, and one cannot be persuaded to change until one wants to change.
As indicated by the author in the video, 1966 had a physical sex test by examining the athlete’s genitals. 1967 chromosomal testing came into effect, which may not have been entirely accurate. The human body can develop in many different ways, so there is the concept of intersex in addition to the usual genders. In 2011, the testosterone limit was officially introduced, which is also not a factor in determining gender. Many women naturally produce increased testosterone, but this does not stop them from being women.
The following public institutions are involved in the sex testing process: IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Global Health Justice Partnership, the United Nations, and the World Medical Association.
In this context, the International Association of Athletics Federations has the power. They are convinced that the testosterone level in female athletes is directly related to their performance in sports. Because the representatives of this association influence athletes, they can prohibit some athletes from competing, as was the case with Caster Semenya.
Reference
Vox. (2019). The problem with sex testing in sports.YouTube. Web.