IOC introduces new policy limiting women’s category eligibility to biological females from LA28 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has announced a new policy governing eligibility for the women’s category in Olympic sports, set to take effect from the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The policy, approved by the IOC Executive Board, limits participation in female events to biological females, with eligibility determined through a one-time SRY gene screening. Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring fairness, safety and integrity in elite competition.

Key eligibility rules

Under the new framework, athletes competing in women’s events must test negative for the SRY gene, which is typically associated with male sex development. The screening can be conducted using saliva, cheek swab or blood samples and is required only once in an athlete’s lifetime.

The IOC states that those who meet the criteria will remain eligible permanently, unless there is reason to question the accuracy of the result.

Athletes who test positive for the SRY gene will not be eligible to compete in women’s events but may participate in male or open categories, depending on the sport. Exceptions may apply in rare cases involving specific medical conditions such as Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.

Focus on fairness and safety

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the policy is rooted in scientific evidence and designed to protect fair competition. She emphasized that even small performance differences can impact outcomes at the Olympic level.

The IOC also highlighted safety concerns, particularly in contact sports, as a key factor in shaping the policy.

Developed through global consultation

The policy follows an extensive review process conducted between 2024 and 2026, involving scientists, medical experts, legal specialists and athletes from around the world. Feedback from more than 1,100 athletes contributed to shaping the final framework.

A dedicated working group concluded that biological sex provides a performance advantage in sports involving strength, speed and endurance, reinforcing the need for clear eligibility criteria.

Not retroactive and limited in scope

The IOC clarified that the new rules will not apply retroactively and will only affect future Olympic events. The policy also does not extend to grassroots or recreational sports programmes.

International federations and national governing bodies are expected to adopt the guidelines when setting eligibility rules for Olympic competitions.

Balancing inclusion and competition

While introducing stricter eligibility requirements, the IOC stressed that all athletes must be treated with dignity and respect. The organization is also encouraging education, counselling and privacy protections as part of the implementation process.

The policy marks a significant shift in how eligibility for women’s sport is defined at the Olympic level, with its full impact expected to unfold as preparations continue for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Courtesy: olympics