International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a major policy shift, banning transgender women from competing in female categories at the Olympic Games, beginning with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision means that only athletes classified as biological females will be eligible to compete in women’s events. This marks a significant departure from previous rules that allowed individual sports federations to determine eligibility.
Under the new framework, female athletes will be required to undergo a one-time genetic test to confirm eligibility. The test screens for the SRY gene, which is linked to male biological development, and is expected to be conducted through a simple cheek swab or saliva sample.
IOC President Kirksty Coventry said the policy was introduced to protect fairness and safety in women’s sports, noting that biological males may retain physical advantages even after transitioning.
The organisation explained that the rule will apply strictly to elite competitions, including the Olympics and qualifying events, and will not affect grassroots or recreational sports. Athletes who do not meet the criteria may still compete in male or open categories.
The decision follows about 18 months of consultations and is expected to create a unified global standard after years of inconsistent regulations across different sports.
However, the move has sparked widespread debate. While some stakeholders have welcomed it as a step toward ensuring fairness in female competitions, critics argue that it could lead to discrimination and increased scrutiny of women athletes, particularly those with differences in sex development.
