The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced plans on Wednesday to unveil a new policy regarding eligibility in women’s sports by early 2026, which may result in transgender athletes being excluded from the Olympic Games. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the organization’s belief in providing access to sports as a fundamental human right for all individuals, particularly at the grassroots and recreational levels.
Following her election in June, Coventry, a two-time Olympic champion swimmer, established a working group to assess measures for safeguarding the integrity of the female category in sports. The IOC previously offered guidance to individual sports governing bodies, leaving them to set their own regulations regarding gender eligibility.
During a press conference following an executive board meeting, Coventry expressed optimism about reaching a clear decision in the coming months, potentially before the start of the Milan Cortina Winter Games on February 6, 2026. The anticipated policy from the IOC is expected to address issues related to transgender athletes and those with differences in sexual development (DSD).
In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” in February, signaling potential funding restrictions for organizations permitting transgender athletes to compete in women’s and girls’ sports. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has already taken steps to bar transgender women from participating in competitions, aligning with government directives.
Several international sports governing bodies, including those overseeing track and field, swimming, and boxing, have implemented protocols to regulate the eligibility of athletes who have undergone male puberty. Notably, the World Boxing organization introduced the SRY gene test to identify the Y chromosome present in males, while World Athletics and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation have also adopted similar testing measures.
Coventry highlighted the challenge of reaching a consensus on this complex issue, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the female category in sports through fair and transparent means. While the exact number of transgender athletes competing at the Olympic level remains unknown, the Olympic Charter underscores the principle that sports should be accessible to all individuals without discrimination, in line with internationally recognized human rights.
In closing, Coventry reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal access to sports for individuals at all levels, underscoring that sports should be open to everyone for participation and enjoyment.
