Caster Semenya: IOC announces new policy to ensure only females compete in women’s competitions
caster semenya The International Olympic Committee announced Thursday (ET) that eligibility for female categories at Olympic Games and other IOC events will be limited to biological females, determined by a one‑time SRY gene screening; the policy is presented as a science‑based step to protect fairness, safety and integrity in the female category. The change, described as applicable for the LA28 Olympic Games onwards, establishes genetic testing saliva, cheek swab or blood sample as a verification method. The IOC framed the move as aligned with goals to ensure equal opportunities, visibility and safety for female athletes.
Key changes in the IOC policy
The policy states: “Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females, determined on the basis of a one‑time SRY gene screening. ” Testing modalities listed include saliva, cheek swab or blood sample. The IOC presented the policy as evidence‑based and expert‑informed and said it will be in effect for LA28 and subsequent Games. The announcement emphasized that the female category is intended to provide equal access to elite sport and to ensure women’s finals, podiums and championships are protected in terms of fairness and safety. The document cites panels of experts and medical input as the basis for setting this eligibility standard, while noting sport‑specific safety concerns in certain disciplines.
Immediate reactions
Kristy Coventry, IOC President, explained the rationale in direct terms: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. ” Coventry added, “So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe. “
Dr. Stéphane Bermon, head of the World Athletics Health and Science Department, has previously highlighted what he described as an “over‑representation” of athletes with differences of sex development among female finalists; a World Athletics panel presentation cited an estimated 50 to 60 athletes with male biological advantages who have been finalists in the female category at global and continental championships since 2000. The announcement also referenced United Nations material noting nearly 900 biological females who have fallen short of podium places because they were beaten by trans athletes.
Caster Semenya: What’s next
The IOC said the policy was developed to protect fairness, safety and the visibility of female sport, and that practical implementation will include a one‑time SRY gene screening and specified sample types. Immediate next steps indicated by the announcement include rolling out the testing framework for LA28 and further consultation with medical experts on implementation details and sport‑specific safeguards. The decision is likely to prompt legal, medical and athletic scrutiny in the months ahead as federations and athletes adapt to the new eligibility criteria; caster semenya
