“War” over! What rules will the USA apply to the Olympics after the victory of Donald Trump
Victory for Donald Trump. Last year, the US president signed an order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's events in schools, colleges and professional competitions in the United States.
Donald Trump Photo/EPA
The document, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports”, ruled that no transgender women's entries would be allowed at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In reaction, the International Olympic Committee implemented a new policy to protect women's competitions. According to the official announcement, in all Olympic events, individual or team, eligibility is now restricted to biological women, as determined by a unique genetic test (SRY screening). The IOC also recommends that this rule be adopted by all international fora and governing bodies in sport.
How the IOC president motivated genetic testing
The new regulations prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women's events at the Olympics. Until now, they could compete in such competitions after receiving the approval of the respective sports federations.
“As a former athlete, I believe passionately in the rights of all Olympians to participate in fair competition. The policy we announced is based on science and has been driven by medical experts.
At the Olympics, even the smallest of margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So for women, it's absolutely clear that they have to compete fairly. Plus, in some sports it just wouldn't be safe.
Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will only need to be screened once in their lifetime. There needs to be clear education around the process and counseling available alongside specialist medical advice!“said IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
