In brief
The IOC has announced that from the 2028 Olympics onwards, women's categories will be open only to biological females, determined by a 'once-in-a-lifetime' SRY gene test. This decision comes after debates regarding the fairness and safety of including transgender and DSD athletes in women's sports. The policy is part of a wider initiative to unify eligibility standards across all sports.
The women's category of Olympic sports will be limited to biological females from 2028.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says eligibility will be determined by a once-in-a-lifetime sex test, which would prevent transgender women and those with differences in sexual development (DSD) who have gone through male puberty from competing.
This policy will take effect during the Los Angeles Olympics.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry stated that medical experts led the decision, emphasizing that even slight advantages in sports can be pivotal between winning and losing, thus it would not be fair for biological males to participate in women’s competitions.
To verify eligibility for the female category, the IOC will implement a screening for the SRY gene, associated with male physical traits. Athletes who do not possess this gene will be deemed eligible to compete in women's events.
Until this announcement, guidelines on sex eligibility were left to individual sports federations. Many allowed transgender women to compete if they lowered testosterone levels, but union rules now aim for a consistent approach across all sports.
This significant decision by the IOC reflects ongoing debates surrounding transgender rights and fairness in sports. As these guidelines take root, it is anticipated that they could also influence community and grassroots sports in profound ways.
