The International Olympic Committee announced a sweeping change to eligibility rules for women’s competition, deciding that Olympic women’s events will be limited to biological females from 2028.
The policy represents a major shift, with all international federations now expected to follow a uniform standard rather than letting individual bodies determine eligibility.
Supporters argue the approach is grounded in science and fairness, noting that it aligns with recent testing practices used in athletics and boxing and is less invasive than requiring athletes to suppress natural testosterone levels.
Opponents raise concerns about the invasiveness of sex testing and the risk of false positives, pointing to human rights, stigma, and the complexity of sex beyond a single gene. The IOC previously used SRY-based testing in the 1980s but abandoned it in the 1990s after concerns about false positives.
As 2028 approaches, the policy will hinge on how federations implement eligibility checks and monitor competition, with athletes, scientists, and civil rights advocates weighing in on fairness, safety, and inclusion.
