The International Olympic Committee has announced a ban on transgender women and athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) from competing in the female category at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and future Games. The decision, confirmed by IOC president Kirsty Coventry, aims to ensure fairness and safety in women's sport.
Under the new policy, all athletes wishing to compete in the female category must undergo a one-off SRY gene screening, typically via a cheek swab or saliva test, to determine biological sex. Coventry stated that the move was based on scientific evidence and protects the integrity of competition, noting that biological males retain performance advantages from male puberty.
The IOC's 10-page policy document cites a 10-12% male performance advantage in running and swimming, over 20% in throwing and jumping, and more than 100% in explosive power sports. It applies to elite individual and team sports, but not grassroots or recreational programmes.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Sex Matters welcomed the guidelines as securing a safe female category, while Dsdfamilies expressed concern about potential harm to vulnerable minority groups, calling for proportionate eligibility rules aligned with DSD care standards.
