Transgender Women Barred from Competing at Olympics Ahead of 2028 Games in Los Angeles

IOC president Kirsty Coventry Credit: Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP via Getty NEED TO KNOW The IOC has banned transgender athletes from competing in women's events The new policy will go into effect at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Some athletes are pushing back on the new ruling Ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s events. “Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females,” the IOC said in a news release . All athletes competing in the female category will be required to take a mandatory gene test in advance of competition, the IOC added.

The test, which requires screening by saliva, a cheek swab or blood sample, is currently used in track and field, according to The New York Times . “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” IOC president Kirsty Coventry said. “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.

” She continued, “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 counseling available, alongside expert medical advice. ” The policy will be applicable for the Los Angeles Games and beyond, protecting “fairness, safety and integrity in the female category.