Transgender women are set to face a prohibition from participating in female events at the Olympic Games. The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) comes after a scientific review highlighted the inherent physical advantages of being biologically male.
As reported by The Times, the IOC is expected to unveil its new policy early next year. Previously, the IOC allowed transgender women to compete with reduced testosterone levels, delegating the final decision to individual sports governing bodies.
Under the leadership of new president Kirsty Coventry, the IOC is shifting its stance to safeguard the integrity of female competition. Dr. Jane Thornton, the committee’s medical and scientific director and a former Canadian Olympic rower, presented the initial research findings to IOC members at a recent meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Dr. Thornton’s scientific presentation objectively outlined the evidence supporting the physical advantages retained by athletes who were born male, even after undergoing testosterone level reduction treatments. Positive feedback was reportedly received from IOC members following the presentation.
The anticipated policy change by the IOC is likely to be announced in early 2026, potentially coinciding with the Winter Olympics session in February. Coventry emphasized the importance of approaching the matter with a scientific perspective while involving international federations that have already made substantial efforts in this area.
In another development, the World Boxing, an international federation recognized by the IOC post-Paris Olympics, has introduced compulsory sex testing. This move follows the controversy during the boxing event at the Paris Olympics, where two disqualified boxers, Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan, both claimed gold medals. Khelif will need to undergo sex testing before being allowed to compete in the female category.
Moreover, Sky has announced a reduction in the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering significant savings to members and showcasing over 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL, and more. The broadcasting giant will air a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, an increase of up to 100 matches.