The International Olympic Committee has announced a major policy change: from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, women’s events will be restricted to biological females.
Under the new rules, eligibility will be determined through a one-time genetic screening for the SRY gene, which is linked to male biological development. Athletes who test negative will be cleared to compete in the women’s category for life, while those who do not meet the criteria will instead be eligible for male or open categories.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the decision is based on scientific and medical advice, arguing that differences linked to male puberty can create performance advantages in elite sport. She also pointed to safety concerns in certain disciplines and emphasised the need for clear, consistent rules across all Olympic sports.
The move marks a significant shift. Previously, the IOC allowed individual sports federations to set their own policies, leading to a patchwork of rules—some permitting transgender women to compete if they reduced testosterone levels, while others imposed outright bans.
The new policy will also apply to most athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), though there is an exception for rare conditions like complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). Past cases involving athletes such as Caster Semenya and Laurel Hubbard have highlighted how complex and controversial these issues can be.
Supporters of the decision say it protects fairness and integrity in women’s sport, especially at the elite level where small physical differences can determine outcomes. Critics, however, argue that genetic testing raises ethical concerns, may oversimplify biological sex, and could stigmatise athletes or violate their rights.
The policy is expected to spark legal challenges and global debate, as sports bodies, governments, and advocacy groups respond. While the IOC insists athletes will be treated with dignity and respect, this decision is likely to remain one of the most contentious issues in international sport leading up to 2028.
