Transgender athletes assigned male at birth will be prohibited from participating in women’s events at the upcoming Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made this decision based on a scientific review highlighting the inherent physical advantages of being biologically male.
According to a report by The Times, the IOC is expected to unveil its new policy early next year. Previously, the IOC allowed transgender women to compete with lowered testosterone levels, leaving the final decision to individual sports federations.
Under the leadership of new president Kirsty Coventry, the IOC is set to prioritize safeguarding the integrity of women’s sports. Dr. Jane Thornton, the committee’s medical and scientific director and a former Canadian Olympic rower, presented the initial review findings to IOC members in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Thornton reportedly emphasized the lasting physical benefits of male biology even after hormone therapy. A source described the presentation as factual and well-received by IOC members.
The IOC’s current stance, as stated on Olympics.com, is inclusive of all qualified athletes regardless of gender identity. However, recent controversies, such as the gender eligibility issues at the Paris Olympics boxing tournament, have prompted stricter measures.
Following the recognition of World Boxing as the new international federation, mandatory sex testing has been introduced to ensure fairness. Athletes like Imane Khelif will need to undergo testing before being allowed to compete in the female category.
The IOC is anticipated to officially announce the new policy in early 2026, possibly coinciding with the Winter Olympics session in February. Coventry emphasized the importance of protecting women’s sports while collaborating with relevant stakeholders and international federations based on scientific principles.
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