IOC Reinstates Genetic Testing for Female Athlete Eligibility

New Policy on Female Athlete Eligibility

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday that it will reintroduce genetic testing to assess eligibility for female competitions.

This new policy stipulates that eligibility for female categories in all IOC-sanctioned events, including the Olympic Games, is restricted to biological females, as detailed in an official release.

To determine eligibility for the women's category, the initial assessment will involve screening for the SRY gene, which indicates the presence or absence of this gene.

The IOC asserts that the presence of the SRY gene is a lifelong characteristic and serves as reliable evidence of male sex development in athletes.

Moreover, the IOC believes that testing for the SRY gene through saliva, cheek swabs, or blood samples is less intrusive than other methods.

Athletes who test negative for the SRY gene will permanently meet the eligibility requirements for competing in the female category, with this test being a one-time requirement unless there are doubts about the accuracy of the result.

With rare exceptions for athletes diagnosed with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other specific disorders of sex development (DSDs) that do not provide performance advantages from testosterone, no athlete with a positive SRY screen will be allowed to compete in the female category at IOC events.

Those with a positive SRY screen, including XY transgender athletes and androgen-sensitive XY-DSD individuals, can still compete in male categories, designated male slots in mixed categories, and any open categories that do not classify athletes by sex.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry commented on the policy, stating, “As a former athlete, I firmly believe in the rights of all Olympians to compete fairly. This policy is grounded in scientific evidence and has been developed with input from medical experts. In the Olympic arena, even the slightest advantage can determine the outcome, making it essential that biological males do not compete in the female category. Additionally, safety concerns arise in certain sports.”

She added, “Every athlete deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and screening will only be required once in their lifetime. Clear education and counseling must accompany this process, along with expert medical guidance.”

The IOC was tasked with creating a policy that safeguards the female category in Olympic sports, reflecting insights from the Working Group on the Protection of the Female Category, various IOC consultations, and recent developments in international human rights law.

This policy is based on the widely accepted notion that a female category is essential for ensuring equal access to elite sports for both genders. It aligns with the IOC's modern objectives of promoting equality, enhancing Olympic values, and increasing visibility for female athletes.

The working group reviewed the latest scientific findings, including those emerging since 2021, and reached a consensus that male sex confers a performance advantage in all sports reliant on strength, power, and endurance. To maintain fairness and safety, particularly in contact sports, eligibility should be determined by biological sex. The group concluded that the most accurate and least intrusive verification method is SRY gene screening, which indicates male sex development.

This policy is the outcome of an IOC review conducted from September 2024 to March 2026, considering the IOC's goals for the female category, which include ensuring fairness, safety, and integrity in elite competition, promoting equality, enhancing Olympic value, and increasing visibility for female athletes.

The review involved consultations with experts across various fields and feedback from Olympic Movement constituents, including International Federations (IFs) and athletes worldwide, particularly those who might be affected by the new policy.

In September 2025, the IOC formed a working group to examine scientific, medical, and legal advancements since 2021. This group comprised specialists from all continents, including experts in sports science, endocrinology, transgender medicine, sports medicine, women's health, ethics, and law. Additionally, Chief Medical Officers from International Federations representing individual and team sports were included.

Athletes contributed valuable feedback through an online survey that garnered over 1,100 responses, in-depth interviews with affected athletes globally, and discussions with members of the IOC Athletes' Commission. The feedback indicated a strong consensus on the need for clear, science-based eligibility rules to ensure fairness and safety in the female category, highlighting the shared priority of protecting this category.

The policy was developed with an athlete-centered approach, prioritizing their dignity, physical and mental health, and safety. It emphasizes the importance of respecting athletes' privacy and confidentiality. IFs and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are responsible for educating athletes and their support teams, particularly coaches and managers, to uphold the athlete's autonomy and well-being while maintaining confidentiality.

They should provide access to mental health support, offer clear guidance on SRY gene screening, and align it with regular health checks in sports. Safe channels for information and reporting should be established, especially for minors. This education should reassure all athletes that they have a place in sports based on their age, sex, and skill level, and that biological sex-based eligibility criteria do not question their legal sex or gender identity.

The policy is intended for adoption by IFs and other sports governing bodies, including NOCs and National Federations, when implementing eligibility rules for IOC events only.

This new policy supersedes all previous IOC statements on the subject, including the Framework on Fairness, Inclusion, and Non-discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations.

It is crucial to note that this policy does not extend to grassroots or recreational sports programs.