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By Lawrence Agbo
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a sweeping policy banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, marking a major shift in eligibility rules ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Under the new guidelines, only biological females will be allowed to participate in female categories, with athletes required to undergo a one-time Sex Determining Region Y (SRY) gene test to confirm eligibility.
The test is designed to detect the presence of the Y chromosome, which the IOC says is linked to performance advantages in strength, speed, and endurance.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday said the decision was based on scientific evidence and guided by medical experts, stressing the need to ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports.
She noted that even small physiological advantages can significantly impact outcomes at the elite level.
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“The scientific evidence is very clear. Male chromosomes give performance advantages in sports that rely on strength, power or endurance.
“At the Olympic Games even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat,” she said.
“So it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
The policy will not be applied retroactively but will take full effect from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
It will also require adoption by all international sports federations participating in IOC-sanctioned events.
