IOC announces eligibility for female category at Olympics to be limited to biological females

The International Olympic Committee announced that eligibility for any female category event at the Olympics or any other IOC event will be limited to biological females from the LA28 Olympics onward. Eligibility in individual and team sports will be determined on the basis of a one-time SRY gene screening, which can be done via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample. Athletes who screen negative will have permanent eligibility to compete in the female category.

Athletes with an SRY-positive screen, including XY transgender and androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes, will continue to be eligible for all other classifications for which they qualify, including any male category, a designated male slot in a mixed category and any open category or in sports and events that do not classify athletes by sex. “I understand that this is a very sensitive topic," IOC President Kirsty Coventry said in a video statement . "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 with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear. Male chromosomes give performance advantages in sports that rely on strength, power or endurance.

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.