Comitê Olímpico Internacional announced that, from Jogos to Los Angeles in 2028, female categories in Olympic sports will only be open to biological women. The decision establishes a single test to detect the SRY gene to determine the eligibility of athletes. The president of the IOC, Kirsty Coventry, highlighted that the measure seeks to guarantee fairness and safety in competitions.
- The test identifies the gene associated with the development of male characteristics.
- Athletes who test negative for the SRY gene permanently meet the criteria.
- The procedure uses saliva, a mouth swab or a blood sample.
The guideline was developed based on guidance from medical experts and considers that small differences in performance define results in Olympic events. President Kirsty Coventry stated that it would not be fair or safe to allow biologically male individuals to participate in women’s events. Até Now, the IOC left the definition of rules to the federations of each sport.
Change in eligibility policy
The new regulations represent a uniform approach for all IOC-approved sports. Antes, each federation defined its own criteria, which resulted in variations between sports such as athletics, swimming and rowing. A partir de 2028, o exame genético será aplicado de forma padronizada e realizado apenas uma vez na carreira da atleta, salvo indícios de erro no resultado.
Athletes who do not meet the criteria for the female category remain eligible for the male, mixed or open categories. The IOC considers the method to be less invasive compared to other verification options. The policy also applies to athletes with differences in sexual development who have the SRY gene.
Genetic Test Details
The exam focuses on the presence or absence of the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome and responsible for the development of typically male characteristics. Once the negative result is confirmed, eligibility becomes permanent for the women’s category in Olympic events and associated competitions. The procedure can be carried out using simple samples, which facilitates application in different contexts.
Medical experts led the development of the guideline, which prioritizes scientific evidence on performance advantages associated with male biological sex in sports involving strength, power or endurance. The decision unifies the rules and overcomes the previous model of delegation for individual federations.
Impact on athletes with specific conditions
Athletes with Distúrbio of Desenvolvimento Sexual who possess XY chromosomes or the SRY gene no longer qualify for the women’s categories under the new rule. Casos and two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya, who competes in the 800 meters, are directly affected by the measure. Anteriormente, some of these athletes could participate as long as they controlled testosterone levels.
The IOC reinforces that the policy protects the integrity of women’s competitions without preventing participation in other divisions. A entidade mantém que a vantagem biológica masculina persiste em diversas modalidades, independentemente de intervenções hormonais posteriores.
Justification presented by the president
Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to preside over the IOC, led the announcement during the committee meeting. Ela emphasized that the decision was guided by scientific data and a commitment to fair competition. The leader recalled that, in high Olympic performance, minimal differences define medals and records.
The measure comes into force on Jogos to Los Angeles 2028 and extends to all events organized or sanctioned by the IOC. Atletas already qualified under previous rules will have their cases analyzed according to the transition to the new regulatory framework.
Practical application of the rule
International federations and local organizing committees must adopt the test as the main criterion for entries in women’s categories. The unique procedure avoids unnecessary repetitions throughout the career. The IOC said it remains open to adjustments based on new medical evidence, but maintains the current position as necessary to preserve women’s sport.
The policy reflects global debates on inclusion and equity that have intensified in recent years in various ways. The entity seeks to balance the rights of all athletes with the specific protection of the female category.
Context of the decision
Several federations had already implemented similar restrictions in sports such as athletics, swimming and cycling. Unification by the IOC centralizes guidance and reduces inconsistencies between competitions. President Kirsty Coventry took office with a commitment to leading a coherent approach to the topic.
The announcement took place on March 26, 2026 and was broadcast in an official briefing. The measure does not prevent the participation of transgender athletes or those with differences in sexual development in male or open categories.
Next steps for implementation
National Olympic committees and international federations will receive detailed guidance on the application of genetic testing. The IOC plans technical support to ensure the process is accessible and respects privacy standards. The decision applies to the Jogos of 2028 and associated preparatory competitions.
The policy reinforces the focus on biological evidence to define eligibility in categories separated by sex.