*This content was translated by AI.
It is an extension of U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has agreed on a new qualification policy that completely bans transgender female athletes from participating in the Olympics to ensure fairness in women's games.
The IOC announced in a statement on the 27th (Korea Standard Time), "All women's events in all IOC-hosted competitions, including the Olympics, are now restricted to biological women," adding, "The qualifications for participation will be determined through mandatory genetic testing once in one's career."
The IOC described the policy, which will be applied from the Los Angeles Olympics in July 2028, as "a measure to protect the fairness, safety, and integrity of the women's sector."
According to 'AP Communications', the 10-page policy document released after the executive committee meeting also included restrictions on female athletes with gender developmental differences (DSD). As a result, athletes such as two-time Olympic champion Kaster Semenya are expected to be restricted from participating.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said at a press conference, "In the Olympics, the smallest difference makes a difference between victory and defeat," adding, "It has become clear that it is not fair for biological men to compete in the women's category."
When he took office in June last year, Coventry made protecting women's sports a top priority. In the announcement, Coventry said, "This policy is a key issue that has been prepared since before President Trump's return to power. The Olympics have never been under pressure from outside," he stressed.
However, the IOC's move is in line with changes in U.S. policy. In February last year, President Trump signed an executive order banning men's participation in women's sports and warned of a suspension of federal aid to organizations that allow transgender athletes to participate. As a result, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOPC) has already revised related regulations.
In a report, Dr. Jane Thornton, director of the IOC Medical Science Bureau, emphasized the need for policy change, saying, "As a result of a scientific review, athletes born male maintain their physiological benefits even after lowering testosterone levels."
According to the IOC, men go through fetal, infant, and puberty, and through three hormonal changes, they gain a physical advantage according to gender in sports that require muscle strength, strength, and endurance. The study found that men have a 10-12% advantage in running and swimming, more than 20% in throwing and jumping events, and can differ more than 100% in events that require explosive power, such as boxing.
Due to this policy, the direction of players who have been at the center of gender controversy in the past is also being divided. Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Whiting (Taiwan) is known to be able to return after passing a genetic test, but Imane Caliph (Algeria) is said to be preparing for a test to participate in the LA Olympics. On the other hand, Nicky Hills of the U.S., a track and field athlete who revealed that he is transgender, is uncertain about his future participation in the Olympics.
"Experts believe the move is likely to lead to a legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)," AP added. Coventry hinted at the possibility of a legal dispute, saying, "In today's world, all rules can be challenged at any time."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
