Olympics transgender ban discussions have intensified as reports suggest the International Olympic Committee is preparing to stop transgender women from competing in all female sports categories.
According to information published by The Times, the official announcement is expected early next year after months of internal review. Sources inside the committee say the decision follows a detailed scientific assessment that examined the physical advantages of athletes born male compared to their female counterparts.
The IOC stated in a brief response that its working group “is continuing its discussions on this topic and no decisions have been taken yet.” Despite this official stance, multiple insiders claim the framework for a full ban is already in progress.
Last week, a progress update was presented to IOC members by the organization’s medical and scientific director, outlining potential steps toward a new policy.
This development represents one of the most significant policy shifts in the modern Olympic movement. Former swimmer Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, told BBC Sport in June that the committee has a responsibility to guide the global discussion on gender inclusion in sports.
Coventry, who currently chairs the IOC Athletes’ Commission, said that a special working group made up of medical experts and representatives from international federations is focused on finding a fair and practical solution. According to her, IOC members have shown overwhelming support for protecting female categories in competitive sports.
Historically, the IOC allowed each sport’s governing body to determine its own gender eligibility policies. However, with increasing global attention and political pressure, the committee now appears ready to establish a universal framework.
In a related development earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender women from participating in female sports categories. The order, which includes the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, also directs immigration authorities to deny visas to transgender athletes seeking to compete in the United States.
If implemented, the IOC’s decision would mark a historic moment for global sports governance and could redefine fairness and inclusion standards across future Olympic Games. The sporting world now watches closely as the committee prepares its official statement in the months ahead.
