Olympic committee weighs possible ban on transgender athletes for 2028 L.A. Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering a total ban on transgender women in female events ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, in an effort to maintain balance and fairness in the competition.

The proposal follows a scientific review led by IOC medical and scientific director Dr. Jane Thornton, which examined the participation of transgender athletes and players with differences of sexual development (DSD).

The review found that physical advantages still exist on athletes that were born male, despite hormone therapy or other efforts to reduce testosterone levels.

The initiative was introduced by new IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who also dedicated a working group for the protection of the female sports category.

“We understand there will be differences depending on the sports. We should make the effort to place emphasis on the protection of the female category and we should ensure that this is done in consensus with all the stakeholders,” Coventry said earlier this year.

If implemented, the proposed complete ban will prevent scenarios similar to Laurel Hubbard, who transitioned in 2012 and made history by competing in the women’s weightlifting division in the 2021 Tokyo Games.

As of now, international sports federations are free to set their own rules with regards to transgender inclusion.

Reports from several international outlets about a formal policy to be released by next year in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy this February.

However, the committee clarified that discussions are still ongoing and that “no decisions have been taken yet.”

With reports from The Times