THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC Committee (IOC) has banned transgender women from competing in all female categories from 2028 onwards.

Eligibility for the female category is to be determined by SRY gene screening, a molecular genetic test carried out via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample.

The IOC said that athletes with an SRY-positive screen, including XY transgender and androgen-sensitive XY differences of sex development (DSD) athletes will not be able to compete in individual or team female categories.

Athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), or other DSDs, who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone may be able to compete in female categories.

The new rule will apply from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics onwards but will not apply retroactively. 

The IOC originally approved the participation of transgender athletes in the Olympics in 2004, however, only a very small number of openly transgender athletes have competed in the Olympics.

🚨 VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

International Olympic Committee announces new Policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport.

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Speaking about the policy, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.

“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat.

“Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice.”