The International Olympic Committee is reportedly preparing to exclude transgender athletes from women’s categories in the Olympic Games, citing scientific evidence of sustained biological advantages.
The decision, reported by British newspaper The Times, could be announced early next year. If implemented, it would affect both upcoming winter and summer editions of the Games.
This potential policy shift follows public commitments from Kirsty Coventry, an influential member of the IOC Executive Board and Chair of its Athletes’ Commission, who pledged to "protect women’s categories."
Previously, the IOC allowed individual sports federations to determine transgender athlete participation, with a general requirement for transgender women to maintain reduced testosterone levels through hormonal medication.
The change in stance comes after the IOC’s medical and scientific director presented preliminary findings of a commissioned report. The report indicates that individuals born biologically male retain physical advantages, even after years of hormone suppression treatment.
The context of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games being hosted in Los Angeles, U.S., adds another dimension to the debate. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously signed legislation banning transgender athletes from women’s sports in the U.S. Observers suggest the IOC’s potential move could align with such policies.