Overview

• Sebastian Coe, one of seven candidates for IOC president, has proposed banning transgender women from competing in women's events at the Olympics if elected.
• Coe's manifesto argues for 'science-based policies' to protect the integrity of women's sports and cites similar restrictions he implemented as head of World Athletics.
• Critics argue that such policies could exacerbate discrimination against transgender athletes, while supporters view them as necessary for fairness and safety in women's competitions.
• The debate over transgender participation at the Olympics intensified after controversies at the Paris 2024 Games, including the participation of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
• The IOC election will take place in March 2025, with the outcome potentially shaping the future of gender policies for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and beyond.