New eligibility rules for Los Angeles 2028
The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women and certain athletes with differences in sex development will be ineligible for the female category at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and future Games. IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the decision was taken to safeguard fairness and safety in elite competition.
“It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category,” Coventry said, adding that the policy was developed with input from medical experts. She emphasized that athletes would be screened only once and should be treated with dignity and respect.
One-time SRY gene screening required
The IOC confirmed that athletes seeking entry into the female category will undergo a one-off screening for the SRY gene, which is linked to male sex development. The test is typically conducted through a saliva sample or cheek swab.
In a policy document outlining the changes, the IOC stated that the presence of the SRY gene provides reliable evidence of male biological development and remains constant throughout life. The committee described the screening process as minimally intrusive compared with other potential verification methods.
Rationale centered on performance data
The IOC cited research indicating measurable average performance differences between males and females in sport. The document notes performance advantages of 10% to 12% in many endurance events, over 20% in throwing and jumping disciplines, and substantially higher margins in sports requiring explosive power.
The policy asserts that a sex-based female category is necessary to maintain competitive balance and integrity at the highest level of sport.
Background and previous cases
The participation of transgender and DSD athletes has been debated for more than a decade. In 2021, Laurel Hubbard became the first openly transgender woman to compete at an Olympic Games in Tokyo. Several DSD athletes have also competed at recent Games, including Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic champion in the 800 meters, and Imane Khelif, who won gold in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The new IOC policy applies to elite Olympic competition and is intended as guidance for international federations. It does not extend to grassroots or recreational sport.
Mixed reactions from advocacy groups
The organization Sex Matters welcomed the announcement. Interim chair Emma Hilton said the guidelines protect a fair female category and described SRY screening as straightforward and non-invasive.
However, the charity Dsdfamilies expressed concern. Spokesperson Ellie Magritte said eligibility rules must remain proportionate and sensitive to the needs of athletes with differences in sex development, warning against unintended harm to a small minority group.
The decision marks a significant shift in Olympic policy and sets the framework for eligibility at future Games.