IOC Poised to Ban Transgender Athletes from All Female Olympic Events

The International Olympic Committee is reportedly preparing to introduce a sweeping ban on transgender women competing in female categories across all Olympic sports. According to a report by *The Times*, the official announcement is expected early next year, following what sources describe as a science-based review of the physical advantages associated with athletes born male.

While the IOC has not yet confirmed the decision, it acknowledged that discussions remain ongoing. “The working group is continuing its discussions on this topic and no decisions have been taken yet,” the committee said in a statement.

The proposed overhaul marks a major shift in the IOC’s long-standing approach, which has allowed individual sports federations to set their own gender eligibility rules. An update on the issue was reportedly presented last week by the IOC’s medical and scientific director as the committee refines details of the potential policy.

Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist and chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, has previously said the organisation must take a leadership role on the issue. Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this year, she said a working group of experts and international federations was seeking a “consensus” approach, noting strong support among IOC members for protecting the integrity of the female category.

The reported move follows the executive order signed in February by President Donald Trump, which bars transgender women from competing in female categories, including at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The order also blocks visa entry for transgender athletes seeking to compete in the United States.