This marks a major development in the issue of trans and DSD athletes participating in women's sports, centred around identity, biological changes and medical grey areas

This marks a major development in the issue of trans and DSD athletes participating in women's sports, centred around identity, biological changes and medical grey areas

This marks a major development in the issue of trans and DSD athletes participating in women's sports, centred around identity, biological changes and medical grey areas

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday announced that it has banned transgender women and athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) from competing in female category events.

According to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the move—which she claimed was backed by science—aims to uphold fairness and safety in women's sports.

“As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition," she said in a statement, noting that it would "not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category".

The IOC chief also pointed out that in some sports, such competition "would not be safe" either.

The decision will apply from the 2028 Summer Olympics (LA28) to be held in Los Angeles.

The  Olympics body has also confirmed that all athletes wanting to compete in the female category at the LA28 and future Olympics events would have to undergo a one-time SRY gene screening to prove their biological sex.

This is usually done via a non-instrusive cheek swab or saliva test.

"There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice,” Coventry added.

This marks a major development in the issue of transgender and DSD athletes participating in women's sports, centred around identity, biological advantages and medical grey areas.

(More details are awaited.)

TAGS