The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly advancing toward implementing a new policy that would ban transgender women from competing in female categories at the Olympic Games. The move is expected to be finalized within the next six to twelve months, in time for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The IOC’s new president, Kirsty Coventry, is said to be driving the initiative as part of her campaign pledge to “protect the integrity of the female category.” The proposed ban aligns with growing pressure from some sports federations and political figures to ensure fairness in women’s competitions, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year restricting transgender women from participating in female sports categories.
While the policy direction appears clear, internal debate continues within the IOC, particularly concerning athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) — individuals who were assigned female at birth but have XY chromosomes and higher levels of testosterone. Some federations, such as World Athletics, have already introduced bans on DSD athletes in women’s events, while others, like FIFA, continue to allow participation.
Most observers expect that the IOC’s eventual policy will exclude any athlete who has undergone male puberty, citing scientific findings that show lasting physical advantages such as bone density and muscle mass. Recent presentations by IOC medical experts highlighted these biological factors, referencing new testing methods like the SRY cheek-swab gene test used by World Athletics to determine sex classification.
Despite growing speculation that the new rules could take effect as early as January 2026, the IOC has stated that no official decision has been made. Its working group on gender eligibility is still reviewing scientific data and legal implications. However, many insiders believe that the summer of 2026 represents a more realistic timeframe for implementation.
If adopted, the new policy would mark one of the most significant shifts in Olympic history regarding gender inclusion. The IOC will need to carefully balance fairness, inclusion, and human rights concerns while avoiding potential legal challenges that could arise from the new framework. Further updates are expected in the coming months as deliberations continue.
