IOC reintroduces gene testing requirement for female athletes ahead of 2028
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 10:01 AM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
The International Olympic Committee announced that it will require female athletes to undergo gene testing for the SRY gene, effective with the 2028 Summer Olympics. This policy, aimed at banning biological males from competing in women's events, mirrors a previously discontinued approach from 1999. Critics argue the new testing mandate, which delegates responsibility to international sport federations, could lead to inaccuracies and ethical concerns, echoing past traumas experienced by athletes. The IOC has not detailed the scientific backing for the decision or addressed potential legal challenges, maintaining a stance that the gene test enhances fairness and integrity in the female category.
- •Female athletes will be tested for the SRY gene starting with the 2028 Olympics.
- •The policy is intended to prevent biological males from competing in women's events.
- •Critics highlight concerns over inaccuracies and ethical implications of the testing.
- •The IOC will not administer the tests but will train international sport federations.
- •The 1999 gene testing policy was dropped due to psychological trauma among athletes.
- 10:01 AMYahoo Sports — Inaccurate, expensive, traumatic: Why IOC is restoring gene testing requirement it dumped in 1999
"The International Olympic Committee dropped genetic testing of female athletes in 1999 because of inaccuracies, high cost and psychological trauma. Now it's coming back.
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