World Athletics Backs IOC Policy Limiting Female Events to Biological Women

March 27, 2026

New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy barring transgender athletes from competing in female category events at the Olympic Games and other IOC-sanctioned competitions. The rule will take effect from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and is not retroactive.

Biology Over Gender in Sports

A spokesperson for World Athletics expressed support for the IOC’s policy, saying: “Gender cannot trump biology.” They emphasized that maintaining a level playing field is essential for attracting and retaining girls and women in sports.

SRY Gene Screening for Eligibility

Eligibility for female category events will now be determined through a one-time SRY gene test to confirm biological sex. This applies to both individual and team sports, ensuring fairness and transparency in competitions.

World Athletics Already Adopts Genetic Testing

Ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, World Athletics implemented genetic testing to confirm athletes’ biological sex, aligning with the new IOC guidelines and strengthening fairness in women’s sports.