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IOC Introduces New Policy Limiting Women's Olympic Events To Biological Females
Photo credit: Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved a new policy aimed at protecting the female category in Olympic sports, with implementation expected ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Under the policy, eligibility for women’s events at the Olympic Games will be based on a one-time genetic screening for the SRY gene, a marker associated with male biological development. The IOC said the screening will determine eligibility for the women’s category, with only athletes testing negative for the gene allowed to compete in female events.
The policy applies only to elite Olympic competitions and is not retroactive, meaning it will not affect athletes’ past performances or competitions. It also does not apply to grassroots or recreational sports.
According to the IOC, the screening process is minimally invasive and can be conducted through saliva, cheek swab, or blood samples. The organization emphasized that the test is intended to be conducted once in an athlete’s lifetime, unless there are concerns about accuracy.
The IOC said the new guidelines are based on consultations with medical experts, sports federations, and athletes, as part of a broader effort to ensure fairness, safety, and integrity in women’s sports.
The policy also allows athletes who do not meet the criteria for women’s events to compete in other categories, including male or open divisions, depending on the sport.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining fairness in competition while ensuring athlete welfare. She noted that in elite sports, even small differences can significantly impact outcomes.
The announcement has sparked debate within the global sports community, with some groups supporting the move as a way to safeguard women’s competition, while others have raised concerns over inclusion and the use of genetic testing.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, national Olympic committees and international federations are expected to align their eligibility rules with the IOC’s new policy.
Under the policy, eligibility for women’s events at the Olympic Games will be based on a one-time genetic screening for the SRY gene, a marker associated with male biological development. The IOC said the screening will determine eligibility for the women’s category, with only athletes testing negative for the gene allowed to compete in female events.
The policy applies only to elite Olympic competitions and is not retroactive, meaning it will not affect athletes’ past performances or competitions. It also does not apply to grassroots or recreational sports.
According to the IOC, the screening process is minimally invasive and can be conducted through saliva, cheek swab, or blood samples. The organization emphasized that the test is intended to be conducted once in an athlete’s lifetime, unless there are concerns about accuracy.
The IOC said the new guidelines are based on consultations with medical experts, sports federations, and athletes, as part of a broader effort to ensure fairness, safety, and integrity in women’s sports.
The policy also allows athletes who do not meet the criteria for women’s events to compete in other categories, including male or open divisions, depending on the sport.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining fairness in competition while ensuring athlete welfare. She noted that in elite sports, even small differences can significantly impact outcomes.
The announcement has sparked debate within the global sports community, with some groups supporting the move as a way to safeguard women’s competition, while others have raised concerns over inclusion and the use of genetic testing.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, national Olympic committees and international federations are expected to align their eligibility rules with the IOC’s new policy.
Mar 27, 2026
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