Lausanne (AFP)

Female transgender athletes will now be able to compete in "single declaration" events of their female gender but will have to prove that their testosterone levels do not exceed a certain threshold, the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) announced.

Until then, female transgender athletes had to provide an official document attesting to their feminine gender.

According to the new IAAF rules that came into effect on October 1, this document is no longer necessary, as athletes just need to provide a "signed statement" attesting to their gender.

However, these athletes will have to report that their testosterone level has been below 5 nmol / l "continuously over a period of at least 12 months".

This rate will have to remain below this level "to maintain their eligibility" to participate in women's events, adds the IAAF.

The IAAF is thus applying to transgender people the rules for hyperandrogens that have prevented South Africa's Caster Semenya from defending its 800m title at the recent Doha Worlds.

The case of the American transgender athlete, Cece Telfer, also provoked many reactions. Telfer, a man who became a woman, competed in men's events before being recently allowed to compete in women's events in the United States.

© 2019 AFP