The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced a new eligibility policy that prevents transgender women from competing in women’s categories at the Olympics.
“Eligibility for any women’s category event at the Olympic Games … is now limited to biological women,” the IOC said in a statement after the executive board meeting.
The policy will come into effect before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and will apply to all IOC-sanctioned events, including individual and team sports.
Mandatory gene testing introduced
Under the new framework, athletes will be required to undergo a one-time genetic screening to determine eligibility.
The IOC said the test detects the SRY gene, usually found on the Y chromosome, which is associated with male biological development.
The organization described the measure as “the most accurate and least invasive method currently available”, with testing methods including saliva, cheek swabs or blood samples.
Cited “Fairness, Security and Integrity”.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry defended the move, stressing competitive fairness.
“At the Olympics, even the smallest differences can be the difference between victory and defeat,” Coventry said.
“It is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category.
The IOC added that the policy is designed to “protect fairness, safety and integrity in the women’s category”.
Not retroactive, limited in scope
The Commission clarified that the rule:
-Not retroactive
-Does not affect basic or recreational sports
He also noted that it remains unclear how many transgender women are currently competing at the Olympic level. No openly transgender woman participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, although Laurel Hubbard did participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Impact on athletes with DSD conditions
The policy also applies to athletes with gender differential development (DSD), including high-profile cases such as Caster Semenya.
The IOC has confirmed that the new restrictions will apply to those athletes whose eligibility is subject to ongoing legal and scientific debate.
Policy shaped by science and previous debates
The IOC said its decision is based on research that suggests male puberty provides lasting physical benefits in strength, endurance and power.
“Men experience three significant testosterone peaks … which confer individual sex-based performance advantages,” the policy document said.
Coventry added that the move aims to create a clear, unified framework to replace the previous reliance on individual sporting federations to set their own rules.
Possible legal problems
The policy is expected to face scrutiny and potential legal challenges at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
“Any and all rules … could always be challenged,” Coventry acknowledged.
Past cases involving athletes such as Semenya and Dutee Chand suggest legal battles over eligibility rules could continue before LA 2028.
Political background
The IOC’s decision comes under wider political pressure, including policies introduced by Donald Trump.
Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which included provisions affecting participation and funding associated with the inclusion of transgender athletes.
However, Coventry emphasized the independence of the IOC: “It was a priority for me long before President Trump entered his second term.
