New eligibility rules based on biological sex to take effect from LA28 Olympics
LAUSANNE | By Sayer Zaland
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved a new policy governing eligibility for the women’s category in Olympic sport, marking a significant shift in how global sport defines fairness and participation.
The policy, endorsed by the IOC Executive Board on March 26, will come into force from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and will not apply retroactively.
Under the new rules, eligibility for the women’s category will be limited to biological females. The IOC has introduced SRY gene screening as the primary method to determine eligibility, describing it as a scientifically reliable and minimally intrusive approach.
According to the policy, athletes who test negative for the SRY gene will be eligible to compete in the women’s category, with testing generally required only once in a lifetime. Athletes who test positive will not be eligible for women’s events but may compete in male, mixed, or open categories where applicable.
The IOC stated that the decision is based on scientific evidence indicating that male biological development provides performance advantages in strength, endurance, and power-based sports. It also emphasized that the policy aims to ensure fairness and safety, particularly in high-contact disciplines.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the framework seeks to balance competitive integrity with respect for athletes’ rights, adding that all athletes must be treated with dignity and provided with appropriate medical and psychological support.
The policy follows a comprehensive review process conducted between September 2024 and March 2026, involving medical experts, international federations, and athlete consultations. Feedback from more than 1,100 athletes highlighted broad support for clear, science-based rules to protect fairness in the women’s category.
The new framework replaces previous IOC guidelines on gender identity and inclusion and is intended for adoption by international federations and other governing bodies in Olympic-level competition.
The IOC clarified that the policy applies only to elite international sport and does not extend to grassroots or recreational levels.