Olympics to Make Women’s Events for Biological Females Only From 2028
The International Olympic Committee has announced a major rule change that will limit the women’s category at future Olympic Games to biological females, starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Under the new policy, all athletes entering female events will need to undergo a one-time screening for the SRY gene, which is linked to male biological development. The test can be carried out using saliva, blood, or a cheek swab. Officials say athletes who do not have the gene will be eligible to compete in women’s events for life, while those who test positive will not be allowed in that category. However, they will still be able to compete in other divisions, including male or open categories.
The decision means transgender women and many athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), a rare condition where a person’s hormones, genes and/or reproductive organs possess a mix of male and female characteristics, will no longer be able to compete in the female category at Olympic level.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the move is based on scientific evidence and aims to protect fairness in sport. “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category.” She added: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
The IOC says research shows that athletes who go through male puberty can have a performance advantage across many sports, particularly those involving strength, endurance, and power.
The policy replaces previous guidance, where individual sports were allowed to set their own eligibility rules. Some had already introduced restrictions, while others allowed participation based on testosterone levels.
High-profile cases have kept the issue in the spotlight, including South African runner Caster Semenya, who has a DSD condition, and New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, the first openly transgender woman to compete at the Olympics.
The IOC says the new approach is designed to create consistent rules across all Olympic sports while maintaining safety and fairness. At the same time, Coventry stressed that athletes should still be treated respectfully.
“Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice.”
The rules will apply only to elite competitions like the Olympics and will not affect grassroots or recreational sport.
