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IOC Weighs Ban on Transgender Women in Female Olympic Events After Science Briefing

Officials signal a potential shift from federation-led guidance to a single rule following a review on advantages linked to male puberty.

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Gold medallist Algeria's Imane Khelif poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 66kg final boxing category during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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Drone view of the Olympic rings in front to International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report the IOC could unveil a new eligibility policy in early 2026, potentially timed to the Milan-Cortina Winter Games session.
  • The IOC confirmed that medical director Dr. Jane Thornton briefed members in Lausanne on initial findings indicating persistent advantages for athletes who underwent male puberty.
  • An IOC statement says no decision has been taken and the working group continues deliberations, with any change expected to be in place for Los Angeles 2028.
  • Discussions are expected to cover certain DSD cases and consider legally defensible sex-verification methods, such as SRY gene or cheek-swab testing.
  • The move follows stricter rules already adopted by federations like World Athletics and World Boxing and renewed pressure tied to Paris 2024 boxing disputes and U.S. executive actions before LA 2028.