IOC considers banning transgender women from competing in female Olympic events

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly considering a ban on transgender women competing in female Olympic events. The move comes amid growing debate over the physical advantages retained by individuals assigned male at birth and aims to create consistent rules across all Olympic sports.

IOC Moves Toward Unified Policy on Transgender Athletes

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is exploring a potential prohibition on transgender women competing in women’s events. This follows a review of scientific evidence suggesting that individuals who undergo male puberty retain physical advantages over females, which may not be fully mitigated by hormone therapy.

Until now, individual sports federations set their own transgender inclusion rules. However, IOC President Kirsty Coventry has stressed the importance of a consistent, organization-wide policy for all Olympic disciplines.

IOC President Advocates Consistent Rules

Before her election as IOC president, Coventry highlighted the need for the IOC to lead on transgender inclusion. Speaking to The Athletic in March, she noted that some sports, such as equestrian events, already allow men and women to compete together, making transgender inclusion less contentious in those areas.

Coventry’s vision focuses on ensuring fair competition while safeguarding female sporting categories.

Immediate Actions After Taking Office

Coventry assumed the presidency in June 2025 and promptly established four working groups to tackle key issues, including the protection of female sport.

Dr. Jane Thornton, IOC Director of Health, Medicine, and Science, briefed IOC members on the scientific findings that males who go through puberty retain physiological advantages over females. These advantages, she said, cannot be fully eliminated through hormone therapy, raising concerns about fair competition.

Potential Ban Could Be Announced Soon

Reports suggest the IOC may announce a ban during its 145th session in Milan, just ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. While no formal decision has been taken yet, senior sources indicate that the organization is moving in this direction—a move many insiders consider long overdue.

Controversies Highlight the Debate

The renewed scrutiny of transgender participation follows the 2024 Summer Olympics controversy. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting won gold medals despite having been previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for alleged gender eligibility violations. Both athletes identify as women and are not transgender.

This incident reignited debate on fairness in women’s sports and increased pressure on the IOC to establish clear guidelines.

Precedents in International Sports and Politics

Several international sports federations, including World Athletics and World Aquatics, have already barred transgender women from competing in female categories.

In February 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women from participating in school, college, and grassroots sports. He also indicated that transgender athletes could face visa restrictions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A Rare Olympic Case

To date, only one openly transgender woman has competed at the Olympic Games: Laurel Hubbard, a New Zealand weightlifter, who participated in Tokyo 2020. Hubbard had previously competed in men’s events and did not record a successful lift during the Games.

Her participation remains the most high-profile case in Olympic history, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity of transgender inclusion in elite sports.

Key Takeaways

• The IOC is considering a ban on transgender women in female Olympic events.

• A consistent global policy is being prioritized to safeguard fair competition.

• Scientific studies highlight enduring physiological advantages for individuals assigned male at birth.

• The issue has been controversial, with precedents set by international sports federations and political interventions.

• An announcement is expected during the 145th IOC session in Milan, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.