Article by David Marinescu – published on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 17:48 / Updated Thursday, September 25, 20:52
With the intention of limiting the participation of Transgender athletes in female issues, the International Ski Federation approved the introduction of femininity tests for athletes.
Following the meeting on September 24, at the FIS headquarters in Zurich, the organization's leaders agreed to make this decision, wishing to “rely on science and biological facts”.
The International Ski Federation approved the introduction of femininity tests for skiing
“After a period of extensive consultations with renowned experts in the field, FIS presented to the Council a scientific eligibility policy for male and female competitions.
The eligibility requirements defined in this policy are based on the presence or absence of the SRY gene, the determining gene of the sex present on the human Y chromosome. In principle, only SRY-negative competitors can participate in women's competitions”, It is shown in the official statement of FIS.
This policy represents the cornerstone of our commitment to protect female sport, and our belief is that there is only one correct and transparent way to do so: based on science and biological realities.
– Johan EliaschPresident FIS
Although FIS has not mentioned a concrete case for which it made this decision, a known name that can be targeted by the new decision is Jay Riccomini, a freestyle skier in the United States, who declared a Transgender man, but still participates in the female competitions organized by FIS.
Another known case in North America is that of the Transgender Allison Hadley, a substantive skiing practitioner.
The draft law “Fairness and Safetey in Sport Act”, introduced by the Alberta government, at the end of last year, offered her serious concerns, but Schioara was allowed to continue to compete in women's competitions.
