Overview
- Multiple outlets report the IOC is preparing a unified eligibility rule that would bar athletes born male from women’s events, though the IOC says no decision has been made.
- IOC medical and scientific director Dr. Jane Thornton briefed members in Lausanne on initial findings indicating advantages persist after testosterone suppression, the committee confirmed.
- Reports indicate a formal announcement could come early next year, potentially at the Milan‑Cortina IOC session, with implementation targeted before the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
- The prospective rule would replace the IOC’s 2021 sport‑by‑sport guidance and is expected, according to reports, to also address athletes with differences of sex development.
- Officials are reviewing legal risks and enforcement models used by federations such as World Athletics’ SRY cheek‑swab testing, following high‑profile eligibility disputes at Paris 2024 boxing.