The International Olympic Committee will introduce gender testing for women at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with participation in women's classes now limited to biological women based on a genetic test. According to the IOC, participation in women's classes at the Olympics and other IOC events is now limited to biological women, based on a genetic test. IOC Chairperson Kirsty Coventry emphasized the fairness aspect, stating that in the Olympics, small margins can be the difference between victory and loss, and it would not be fair for biological men to compete in the women's class. The IOC has clarified that one qualifies only for female Olympic events if one is a biological woman.
Multiple reports indicate that the testing will detect whether an athlete has the SRY gene, a gene crucial on the Y chromosome that initiates the development of the male sex. The IOC considers saliva, cheek swab, or blood test as the least invasive tests, according to reports. How the IOC will handle cases where athletes have intersex variations or other genetic complexities remains unclear, as do the potential consequences or appeals process for athletes who fail the gender test. The exact timeline and procedure for implementing the gender testing before the 2028 Olympics are also unknown, and it is not yet known how many athletes are expected to be affected by this new policy.
In the Olympics, small margins can be the difference between victory and loss. It would not be fair for biological men to compete in the women's class.
According to multiple reports, the new decision aligns with the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump. Last year, Trump signed an executive order that aimed to ban transgender people in American women's sports, reports indicate. The political context suggests a broader trend in sports governance regarding gender eligibility.
In unrelated sports news, Norway will play the Netherlands in a private match on Friday at 20:45, according to multiple reports. Ståle Solbakken will choose these 11 players to start in a 4-4-2 formation, reports indicate. The match will be without an injured Martin Ødegaard and Erling Braut Haaland, who has been given time off after a heavy match schedule at Manchester City, multiple reports indicate.
Participation in women's classes at the Olympics and other IOC events is now limited to biological women, based on a genetic test.
The national team has announced that Haaland will be with the team against Switzerland at Ullevaal next Monday, according to multiple reports. Sander Berge will wear the captain's armband against the Netherlands, multiple reports confirm.
One qualifies only for female Olympic events if one is a biological woman.