The International Olympic Committee has drawn a new line in one of the most complex debates in modern sport: the protection of the female category. In a landscape where scientific advances, demands for fairness, and diverse athlete experiences converge, the organization has introduced a policy aimed at bringing order and clarity to eligibility criteria. The decision, adopted by its Executive Board, reflects a clear intention to intervene with greater precision in an issue that has sparked discussion both within and beyond the sporting world.

The measure will come into effect at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and will not be applied retroactively, defining its impact moving forward. From that point on, participation in the female category will be restricted to biological women, based on scientifically defined parameters. This new policy not only establishes rules but also provides guidance for federations and governing bodies, in an effort to harmonize criteria across the Olympic Movement and respond to a growing need for clarity.

The SRY gene as the cornerstone of eligibility

At the heart of the policy is the SRY gene, a biological marker identified by the IOC as key in determining eligibility for the female category. Its presence, typically associated with the Y chromosome, is linked to male sexual development and therefore becomes the central criterion for defining who can compete in this category. The test to detect it is designed as a one-time procedure in an athlete’s life, using minimally invasive methods such as saliva, blood, or buccal swabs.

From the organization’s perspective, this approach responds to the need for an objective and scientifically validated foundation. The absence of the SRY gene will allow athletes to compete permanently in the female category, while its presence—except in specific medical cases such as certain differences in sexual development without performance advantage—will result in exclusion from that category. This definition introduces a clear boundary in an area historically marked by ambiguity.

Balancing fairness with athlete dignity

Beyond the technical aspects, the policy is grounded in a central idea: protecting fairness and safety in competition while preserving the dignity of every athlete. The IOC maintains that biological differences stemming from male sexual development can translate into significant advantages in sports where strength, power, or endurance are decisive. In this sense, setting clear limits is seen as a way to safeguard competitive integrity, particularly in contact sports.

At the same time, the organization emphasizes that all athletes must be treated with respect and provided with opportunities within the sporting system. Those who do not meet the criteria for the female category will still be eligible to compete in male, open, or mixed categories, provided they meet the corresponding requirements. This structure seeks to maintain a delicate balance, where inclusion is not eliminated but reorganized under new rules designed to be understandable and globally applicable.

A process shaped by science and experience

The policy is the result of a review process carried out between 2024 and 2026, during which the IOC combined scientific evidence, expert advice, and the voices of athletes themselves. A multidisciplinary working group analyzed developments in medicine, endocrinology, law, and ethics, aiming to build a solid foundation for addressing the issue with greater rigor. The geographical and professional diversity of its members reflects an effort to capture multiple perspectives in a global debate.

At the same time, consultation with athletes from around the world brought an essential human dimension. Surveys, interviews, and dialogue spaces revealed nuances shaped by context and experience, but also a shared recognition of the need for clear, science-based rules. This participatory process, alongside considerations of human rights standards and equality policies, helped shape a framework that seeks not only to regulate, but also to respond to the real concerns of those who live sport from within.