Overview
- The IOC said no decision has been taken as a working group continues deliberations following a presentation by medical chief Dr. Jane Thornton on evidence that male‑puberty confers lasting physical advantages.
- Multiple outlets report the committee is moving toward a blanket ban on transgender women in the female category, with scope under discussion that could also address DSD cases.
- A policy unveiling is reported as likely in early 2026, potentially around the Milan‑Cortina IOC session, with implementation targeted ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
- New president Kirsty Coventry has prioritized protecting the female category, shifting from the IOC’s 2021 guidance that left eligibility to individual federations toward a single, enforceable standard.
- Several federations already use bans or sex‑verification tools, including World Athletics’ SRY cheek‑swab testing and World Boxing’s mandatory sex testing, as the IOC works to ensure legal robustness and operational enforcement.