World Athletics Endorses IOC's Policy on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Synopsis
In a significant move, World Athletics has backed the IOC's decision to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women's events, reinforcing the principle that gender cannot override biology. This policy aims to ensure fairness in women's sports and will be enacted starting from the 2028 Olympic Games.
Key Takeaways
World Athletics supports IOC's decision to exclude transgender athletes from women's events.
The policy aims to create a fair playing field in women's sports.
Starting from 2028 Olympic Games , eligibility will be based on biological sex.
International Federations are encouraged to adopt the policy.
SRY gene screening will determine eligibility for female events.
Beijing, March 27 (NationPress) In alignment with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recent decision to exclude transgender athletes from women’s events, a representative from World Athletics voiced their endorsement of the IOC's regulations, emphasizing that gender cannot supersede biology.
"Over the past decade, we have taken the lead in safeguarding women’s sports. Ensuring that more girls and women engage in sports necessitates a fair and equitable environment where no biological barriers exist. Therefore, gender cannot take precedence over biology. A uniform policy across all sports is undoubtedly beneficial," stated the spokesperson in an email to Xinhua on Thursday, coinciding with the IOC's announcement regarding the new guidelines that restrict eligibility for the female category at Olympic Games and other IOC-sanctioned events to biological females.
This policy, which received approval from the IOC Executive Board, will be implemented starting from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and will not be applied retroactively. It encompasses all events in the female category, covering both individual and team sports.
The IOC is encouraging International Federations (IFs) and other regulating bodies in sports to embrace this policy while establishing eligibility criteria for IOC competitions.
The IOC's statement clarified, "Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including both individual and team sports, is now confined to biological females, as determined through a one-time SRY gene screening."
"The eligibility for the female category will initially be determined by SRY gene screening to identify the presence or absence of the SRY gene," it further elaborated.
World Athletics is among the international federations that have already implemented genetic testing ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo last September, aiming to confirm athletes' biological sex to enhance fairness and transparency in women's competitions.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the challenges surrounding gender inclusivity in athletics. While the decision by the IOC and supported by World Athletics aims to protect women's sports, it raises complex questions about equality, fairness, and the future of transgender athletes in competitive environments.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IOC's new policy regarding transgender athletes?
The IOC's new policy prohibits transgender athletes from competing in female category events, limiting eligibility to biological females based on SRY gene screening.
When will this policy take effect?
The policy will be implemented starting from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and will not be applied retroactively.
How has World Athletics responded to this policy?
World Athletics has expressed its support for the IOC's decision, highlighting the need for fairness and equality in women's sports.
What does SRY gene screening entail?
SRY gene screening is a genetic test used to determine the biological sex of an athlete by identifying the presence or absence of the SRY gene.
Are there other sports organizations adopting similar rules?
Yes, the IOC encourages International Federations and other sports governing bodies to adopt similar eligibility criteria.
