IOC's genetic testing for female athletes may exclude intersex women

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on March 26, 2026, a new policy requiring genetic testing for female athletes to detect the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome. This policy aims to exclude transgender women from women's events, yet experts warn it risks disproportionately impacting intersex women who may be assigned female at birth. Critics argue the policy oversimplifies biological sex and could draw unwanted scrutiny towards many female athletes who are not transgender. The new guidelines come as preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics are underway, amidst a broader political of legal challenges against transgender athletes in several states.

• 1:54 PMYahoo Sports — Sex test used in IOC’s new transgender ban more likely to exclude from Olympics intersex women who were assigned female at birth