The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently deliberating on universal rules for transgender women competing in the Olympic Games. This comes amid reports suggesting the governing body is moving towards banning transgender women from participating in the female category by the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Under the leadership of new president Kirsty Coventry, the IOC reversed its previous stance in June, opting to establish eligibility criteria for transgender athletes at the Olympic level. This decision marked a departure from the prior approach, where the responsibility was delegated to individual sports federations, resulting in a patchwork of varied regulations.
Setting the Stage for Change
In a significant move, Coventry initiated the ‘Protection of the Female Category’ working group in September. This group comprises experts and representatives from international federations, tasked with exploring the best methods to safeguard the female category in sports.
An IOC spokesperson confirmed, “An update was given by the IOC’s director of health, medicine and science to the IOC members last week during the IOC commission meetings. The working group is continuing its discussions on this topic and no decisions have been taken yet. Further information will be provided in due course.”
According to multiple publications, including the BBC, a ban is likely to be introduced in 2026.
Historical Context and Current Regulations
Before Coventry’s decisive action in June, the IOC had long refrained from imposing a universal rule on transgender participation in the Olympics. In 2021, international federations were instructed to develop their own guidelines. Under the current rules, transgender athletes are eligible to compete in the Olympics, although only a few have done so openly. Notably, New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard made history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete in a gender category different from that assigned at birth during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
While some international federations have established rules, others are still in the process of doing so. For instance, World Rugby has banned transgender athletes from competing at the elite level, and World Athletics does not permit transgender athletes who have undergone male puberty to compete. Conversely, World Aquatics allows those who transitioned before age 12 to participate but restricts those who transitioned later.
The Influence of Global Politics
The IOC’s deliberations occur against a backdrop of increasing political intervention in sports. In the United States, former President Donald Trump issued the ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ order in February, effectively banning transgender athletes from competing in school sports. This decision has sparked controversy, with civil society groups arguing it infringes on the rights of transgender individuals.
Following Trump’s directive, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee amended its rules to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. This move aligns with actions taken by several international federations, which have conducted studies or altered regulations to prevent individuals who have experienced male puberty from competing in the female category at elite levels.
Boxing and athletics have introduced mandatory tests for female category athletes to detect the SRY gene, aiming to address athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD athletes).
Looking Ahead: Implications and Future Directions
The potential ban on transgender athletes at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics raises significant questions about inclusivity and fairness in sports. As the IOC continues its discussions, the world watches closely, anticipating how these decisions will shape the future of Olympic competition.
The situation remains complex, particularly in football, where FIFA has yet to announce a comprehensive policy. Some associations, like the English FA, have independently banned transgender players from women’s competitions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in establishing consistent global standards.
As the IOC navigates this contentious issue, the outcome will likely influence broader conversations around gender, identity, and fairness in sports. The decisions made in the coming months will not only impact athletes but also set precedents for how sports organizations worldwide address these evolving challenges.
