IOC Imposes Landmark Ban: Transgender Athletes Barred from Women’s Olympic Events

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced an unprecedented set of strict regulations under its new "Policy for the Protection of Women’s Sports." Starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games, transgender athletes will be officially prohibited from competing in the women’s category if they possess specific biological markers,reports BBC.

The IOC will now determine eligibility based on a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y). According to scientific research cited by the Committee, the presence of this gene is considered definitive proof of male biological development.

How the testing protocol works:

• Athletes must provide a saliva or blood sample.

• If the gene is absent, the athlete is granted lifelong eligibility to compete in the women’s category.

• Those who test positive for the SRY gene may only compete in the men’s category, mixed-gender teams, or non-gendered classifications.

These rules align with a broader global shift. In February 2025, the United States implemented a federal ban on transgender participation in various sports competitions—one of the first executive orders issued by Donald Trump upon returning to the presidency.

The IOC will only grant exceptions in extremely rare medical cases, such as Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). For now, these restrictions apply specifically to elite Olympic competition and do not yet affect grassroots or mass-participation sports.