The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a significant policy shift regarding transgender women and athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) competing in women's events. Starting from the 2028 LA Games, eligibility will be restricted to biological females, determined through a one-time SRY gene screening to detect the presence of a Y chromosome.

Former IOC President Thomas Bach asserted in July 2021 that sex eligibility should be left to individual sports, but his successor, Kirsty Coventry, has introduced a blanket ban aimed at protecting fairness and integrity in competition. This change reflects a consensus that male sex confers a performance advantage in various sports, irrespective of testosterone suppression.

Key points regarding the IOC's new stance include:

• The IOC claims a 10-12% male performance advantage in most running and swimming events, rising to 20% in throwing and jumping disciplines.
• The decision follows controversies surrounding athletes like Laurel Hubbard, the first openly transgender woman to compete at the Olympics in 2021.
• Several sports, including swimming and boxing, have implemented stricter eligibility criteria amid concerns from female athletes.

Despite the IOC's reasoning, the scientific basis for the new guidelines has not been published. Critics, including Caster Semenya, argue that the policy is disrespectful to women with DSD and does not solve existing issues. Conversely, some women's rights advocates welcome the move, citing a need for a fair playing field.

Opposition remains, with figures like Nikki Hiltz questioning the necessity of the ban, highlighting that few transgender athletes have competed at elite levels. The IOC's decision has reignited debates over gender, fairness, and the complexities of biological variations in sports.