GENEVA, March 27 — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday approved a new policy restricting participation in women’s Olympic events to biological females, beginning with the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The policy, adopted by the IOC Executive Board, introduces a one-time SRY gene screening to determine eligibility in the female category across all Olympic sports, including individual and team events, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing the committee.
According to the IOC, the measure is based on scientific evidence and aims to “protect fairness, safety and integrity”, citing performance advantages linked to male sex development in strength, power and endurance.
“Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the female category. Unless there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime test,” the committee said.
Those with a positive result, including transgender and certain intersex athletes, will not be eligible for women’s events but may compete in male, mixed or open categories, the statement said.
Controversial athlete Imane Khelif of Algeria celebrates after winning gold in the women’s welterweight boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics at Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris, France, on August 09, 2024. Critics say she should not have been allowed to compete in the women’s category. — Picture by REUTERS
The IOC said rare exceptions may apply, including athletes with conditions such as complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, who do not benefit from testosterone-related performance effects.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the policy was developed through scientific review and athlete consultation, with a focus on fairness in competition and athlete well-being.
“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category,” Coventry said. “In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
