What's happened
The IOC, under President Kirsty Coventry, is moving to establish clear eligibility criteria for transgender athletes at the Olympics, aiming to protect female categories amid ongoing controversy. A working group is expected to deliver a decision early next year, ahead of the 2026 Winter Games and 2028 Summer Olympics.
What's behind the headline?
The IOC's shift to set universal eligibility criteria signals a strategic move to address growing international debates over gender and fairness in sports. By establishing clear rules, Coventry aims to balance inclusivity with the need to protect female categories, which have faced challenges from transgender athletes. This decision will likely influence national policies, such as the US's recent executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, and could impact the participation of athletes like Laurel Hubbard. The move also reflects broader societal tensions around gender identity and sports, positioning the IOC as a key actor in shaping future policies. The upcoming decision will be critical in defining the boundaries of fair competition and could set a precedent for other international sports bodies.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the IOC, under new President Kirsty Coventry, has reversed its previous hands-off approach, now leading in setting eligibility rules for transgender athletes. AP News highlights Coventry's emphasis on sport as a human right and her commitment to a consensus-driven policy, with a decision expected early next year. Al Jazeera notes the formation of the 'Protection of the Female Category' working group and Coventry's aim to find a balanced solution, with a decision anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The articles collectively show a shift towards a more unified and transparent policy, amid ongoing societal debates and political pressures, including the US's recent executive order.
How we got here
The issue of transgender athlete participation has been unresolved, with the IOC previously delegating rules to individual sports federations, resulting in inconsistent policies. Coventry's leadership has prioritized creating a unified, transparent framework, including forming a 'Protection of the Female Category' working group in September to address these concerns and ensure fair competition.
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