IOC reintroduces gene testing requirement for female athletes ahead of 2028

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.

• 10:01 AMYahoo Sports — Inaccurate, expensive, traumatic: Why IOC is restoring gene testing requirement it dumped in 1999