What concerns does Nikki Hiltz have about gene testing?

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Nikki Hiltz Expresses Concerns Over World Athletics' Gene Testing Plans

Nikki Hiltz, a US distance runner who identifies as transgender and non-binary, has voiced significant concerns regarding World Athletics' proposed introduction of gene testing for female athletes, deeming it a "slippery slope" that could lead to more invasive practices and divert resources from more pressing issues in women's sport. Hiltz, who uses they/them pronouns, acknowledged they would comply with the testing but expressed strong disapproval of the precedent it establishes for the sport.
Gene Testing as a "Slippery Slope"

Hiltz articulated that the introduction of gene testing is a "disappointing" development and represents a "slippery slope." While Hiltz confirmed they would undergo the proposed testing, they expressed a fundamental disagreement with the principle it sets. The concern is that if top-tier sporting federations like World Athletics implement such measures, it could lead to similar, potentially more invasive, testing protocols trickling down to lower levels of competition, such as collegiate (NCAA) or youth programs.
Potential for Invasive Testing and Misallocation of Resources

A significant worry for Hiltz is the potential for sex testing to become increasingly invasive. While World Athletics' proposed test involves a simple cheek swab or blood test for the SRY gene, Hiltz fears that other organizations might adopt more intrusive methods. Furthermore, Hiltz argued that the resources, time, and energy dedicated to gene testing should instead be directed towards addressing more immediate and critical problems within women's sport, such as dealing with abusive coaches and investigating doping allegations. Hiltz stated that the current gene testing initiative does not appear to be solving an existing problem within women's athletics.
World Athletics' Current Eligibility Criteria

World Athletics' new gene testing policy aims to verify the presence of the SRY gene, which is linked to male characteristics. Athletes testing negative for the Y chromosome, indicated by the absence of the SRY gene, would be eligible to compete in the female category at world ranking competitions. Conversely, athletes testing positive for the Y chromosome would be restricted to competing in the female category only in non-world ranking events or in a different category altogether. This policy operates alongside existing World Athletics rules, which currently ban transgender women who have undergone male puberty from women's events and require female athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) and high testosterone levels to undergo medication to lower those levels to be eligible.

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What concerns does Nikki Hiltz have about gene testing?

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