IOC Policy Bars Transgender Women Athletes from Olympic Competition

The International Olympic Committee has approved a new eligibility policy that excludes transgender women from female events. The decision will take effect for the Los Angeles Olympics in July 2028.

Core provisions

The IOC policy limits entry to the female category to biological females. Eligibility will be determined by a mandatory gene test once in an athlete’s career.

The screening checks for the SRY gene via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample. The committee described this as the most accurate and least intrusive method available.

Scope and exceptions

The rule applies to Olympic Games and other IOC events. It is not retroactive and does not cover grassroots or recreational programs.

The 10-page document also places restrictions on some women with differences in sex development. The IOC said the policy aims to protect fairness, safety and integrity in the female category.

Scientific basis

A working group cited male biological development as a source of retained sporting advantages. They noted testosterone peaks before birth, in infancy, and again at puberty.

The research estimated a male performance advantage of 10–12% in most running and swimming events. It cited at least 20% in many throwing and jumping events, and higher margins in explosive power events, including punching sports.

Current practice and oversight

Some international federations already perform genetic or sex tests. Track and field, skiing, and boxing have used such screening for eligibility decisions.

The IOC published the policy after an executive board meeting. Its president, Kirsty Coventry, launched a review of female-category protections after taking office.

Notable athletes and responses

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard previously competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. No athlete who transitioned from male to female competed at the 2024 Paris Games.

Two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya is affected by separate rules concerning differences in sex development. Semenya won a European Court of Human Rights decision in a long legal challenge that did not overturn athletics’ eligibility rules.

In boxing, World Boxing confirmed Lin Yu-ting passed a gene test and may return to competition. Algerian champion Imane Khelif said she would take a gene test and is preparing for a professional bout in Paris.

Political and legal context

The IOC’s move aligns with recent political actions in the United States. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last February aimed at restricting transgender participation in women’s sports.

The order threatened visa denials for some athletes and possible funding cuts to organizations that allow transgender athletes to compete in female categories. U.S. Olympic officials subsequently updated guidance to national sports bodies.

Anticipated reaction

Human rights groups are likely to challenge mandatory genetic screening. Critics may argue the tests raise privacy and inclusion concerns.

The IOC said it interviewed affected athletes worldwide during its review. The committee stressed the policy seeks to balance fairness with athletes’ rights under the Olympic Charter.