Only biological women will participate in the Olympic Games: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced this Thursday a series of regulatory changes that redefine the criteria for participation in the women’s categories within the Olympic Games.

The measure will consist of applying, on a mandatory basis, a genetic test that will require the absence of the SRY gene—present only with the biological male sex.

The IOC has indicated that the main objective of the regulations is to guarantee equal conditions during competition, as well as to protect the physical integrity of women, especially in contact sports.

It will be implemented by Los Angeles 2028

The new provision will come into force from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and will apply to all Olympic disciplines, both individual and team.

Only recreational or grassroots sports activities will be excluded.

Controversies after Paris 2024

The IOC’s decision arises in response to complaints made during the holding of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, particularly around the participation of boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting.

Exceptions

Transgender athletes with XY chromosomes and those with androgen-sensitive sexual development disorders must compete in the men’s categories. However, specific medical exceptions are considered, such as complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, as long as there is no anabolic advantage derived from testosterone.

The verification process will be carried out through a saliva or blood test that will be applied only once in the athlete’s life, thus seeking to simplify the procedures and avoid repetitive evaluations.

With this measure, the IOC seeks to establish clearer and more uniform criteria in an effort to balance inclusion with competitive equity within Olympic sport.