The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to prohibit transgender women from participating in female events at the Olympic Games due to the inherent physical advantages of being biologically male. This decision follows a scientific review that highlighted the lasting benefits of male birth.
A report from The Times indicates that the IOC is expected to unveil its new policy early next year. Previously, the IOC allowed transgender women to compete with reduced testosterone levels, leaving the final decision to individual sports federations.
Under the leadership of new president Kirsty Coventry, the IOC will now prioritize safeguarding the integrity of female sports. Dr. Jane Thornton, the committee’s medical and scientific director and a former Canadian Olympic rower, presented the review’s initial findings to IOC members during a recent meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Dr. Thornton emphasized that scientific evidence demonstrates enduring physical advantages for athletes born male, even after undergoing treatments to lower testosterone levels. Sources revealed that the presentation was factual and well-received by IOC members.
The IOC’s current stance on Olympics.com emphasizes non-discrimination based on an athlete’s gender identity or sex characteristics, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria set by their respective International Federation (IF).
Controversy arose during the boxing tournament at the Paris Olympics when gold medals were awarded to two boxers, Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan, despite their disqualification from the previous year’s World Championships for alleged gender eligibility issues. Following the IOC’s recognition of World Boxing as the new international federation post-Paris, mandatory sex testing has been implemented, preventing Khelif from competing in the female category until undergoing the required testing.
The IOC is anticipated to reveal its new policy in early 2026, potentially coinciding with the Winter Olympics session in February. President Coventry stressed the importance of protecting the female category while considering the scientific approach and collaboration with international federations already engaged in this field.
In a move ahead of the 2025/26 season, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, allowing members to save £192 and access over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, an increase of up to 100 games compared to previous seasons.