IOC Adopts SRY-Based Rule to Define Female Olympic Competition for LA28
The International Olympic Committee unveiled a new policy that defines the female category in IOC events as limited to biological females, determined by a one-time SRY gene test. Those who test negative for SRY are eligible for the female category; those who test positive (including XY transgender and XY-DSD athletes) are ineligible for the female category and may compete in male or open categories, with a rare exception for CAIS or other DSDs that do not benefit from testosterone. The policy, non-retroactive, applies from the LA28 Games onward and does not affect grassroots programs. It was developed through expert review and athlete input to promote fairness, safety, and integrity, with education and privacy protections for athletes.
