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IOC to Implement New Transgender Athlete Eligibility Policy
Teh International Olympic Committee (IOC) is poised to announce a new,uniform policy regarding transgender athletes’ participation in major sporting events,including the Olympic Games,within the first half of 2026. This policy aims to establish consistent eligibility criteria across all sports,addressing the current landscape of varying regulations set by individual international federations. The move comes after years of debate and consultation, and reflects a growing emphasis on protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
Background and Evolution of the Policy
previously,the IOC encouraged international federations to develop their own guidelines for transgender athlete participation,leading to a fragmented system. In 2021, the IOC issued guidance allowing transgender athletes to compete once cleared by their respective federations (IOC, 2021).However, this approach resulted in significant discrepancies. For example, World Aquatics (formerly FINA) implemented rules allowing transgender athletes who transitioned before the age of 12 to compete (World Aquatics, 2022), while World Rugby banned transgender athletes from elite-level competitions (World Rugby, 2020).
Under the leadership of President Kirsty Coventry,the IOC shifted towards a uniform approach in June 2025,establishing a “Protection of the Female Category” working group to develop a cohesive policy (Olympics.com,2025). IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated that there is “generally speaking consensus within the sporting movement” regarding the new policy