IOC Bans Transgender Women from LA 2028 Olympics Women’s Events
The IOC on Thursday barred transgender women from competing in women’s events at the Olympics, limiting the female category to biological females ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Eligibility will be determined by a one-time SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample. Athletes who test positive remain eligible for men’s events but not the women’s category.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In some sports, it would simply not be safe.”
The policy also affects DSD athletes such as Caster Semenya. It is not retroactive and does not apply to recreational sport.
The White House called the decision “common sense and long overdue,” though the IOC made no reference to Trump’s 2025 executive order in its announcement.