Transgender women are set to be barred from participating in women’s events at the Olympic Games. The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) comes after a scientific review highlighted the inherent physical advantages of individuals born male.
A report from The Times indicates that the IOC is expected to unveil its new policy early next year. Previously, the IOC’s guidance allowed transgender women to compete with reduced testosterone levels, leaving the decision to individual sports federations.
Under the leadership of the new president, Kirsty Coventry, the IOC is shifting its stance to safeguard the integrity of women’s sports. Dr. Jane Thornton, the committee’s medical and scientific director and a former Canadian Olympic rower, presented the initial findings of the review at a recent meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Thornton emphasized that scientific evidence demonstrates enduring physical advantages of being born male, even after undergoing treatments to lower testosterone levels. Sources indicated that the presentation was factual and well-received by IOC members.
The IOC is expected to announce the updated policy in early 2026, possibly coinciding with the Winter Olympics session in February. Coventry emphasized the importance of protecting the female category and collaborating with stakeholders and international federations to ensure a scientific and inclusive approach.
Following controversies at the Paris Olympics boxing tournament, the IOC-recognized World Boxing federation has introduced mandatory sex testing. Athletes like Imane Khelif of Algeria will need to undergo this testing before competing in the female category.
In anticipation of the 2025/26 season, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering savings of £192. The package includes over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, with Sky planning to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 matches.