The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy banning transgender women athletes from competing in female events at the Olympics, effective from the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This decision aligns with US President Donald Trump’s executive order on women’s sports and aims to “protect fairness, safety and integrity in the female category”. The IOC will require a one-time SRY gene screening to determine biological sex, affecting not only transgender women but also athletes with differences in sex development (DSD).
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that the policy is based on scientific research and aims to ensure fair competition. The decision has been praised by some athletes, including former US gymnast Jennifer Sey, who called it a “huge win for women’s sports”. However, others may argue that this policy restricts the participation of transgender athletes and raises concerns about human rights and inclusivity.
