The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to announce a ban on transgender women competing in female Olympic events early next year, following a science-based review of physical advantages associated with being born male.
Previously, the IOC allowed transgender women to compete if they maintained reduced testosterone levels, leaving final decisions to individual sports. Under new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the policy is set to change to better protect the female category.
Dr. Jane Thornton, the IOC’s medical and scientific director, recently presented initial findings in Lausanne, showing that physical advantages persist in athletes assigned male at birth, even after testosterone-lowering treatment. The presentation was described as factual and scientific, receiving positive feedback from IOC members.
The new policy is expected to be announced around the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026. Work is still ongoing to ensure the rules are legally robust, as the current IOC guidance has been advisory rather than part of formal eligibility regulations.
