The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women's competitions at the Olympic Games. The decision will be made at the beginning of 2026 after obtaining scientific justification regarding the physical advantages of men over women, said IOC Medical and Scientific Director Jane Thornton. Currently, transgender athletes are allowed to compete in women's events, but the decision remains with international federations.
For the first time, a transgender athlete competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Before her participation, the IOC Medical and Scientific Director presented the results of a scientific review of issues in women's sports due to the participation of transgender athletes, which were received positively.
The ban on transgender athletes participating in women's competitions at the Olympic Games will be implemented if scientific research confirms the physical advantages of men over women. This decision could significantly change the conditions for the participation of transgender athletes in sports competitions in the future.