Five Athletes at Risk of Olympic Ban Under New Transgender and DSD Regulations
The Olympic Games have long stood as the pinnacle of athletic achievement, a stage where the world’s best compete for glory. Yet, as the sporting landscape evolves, so too do the rules that govern fair play. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently deliberating a sweeping policy change: a potential blanket ban on transgender women competing in female categories across all sports—a move that could reshape the future of the Games and profoundly impact several athletes.
Protecting Women’s Sport: The IOC’s Stance
The increasing participation of transgender athletes in female categories has prompted the IOC to reconsider its policies, with the stated aim of protecting women’s sport. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the organization’s responsibility to “play a leading role” in addressing this sensitive issue, noting overwhelming support among IOC members for the protection of women’s categories.
Dr. Jane Thornton, the IOC’s medical and scientific director, has presented scientific reviews indicating that individuals born biologically male retain physiological advantages, even after reducing testosterone levels. This evidence has fueled calls for stricter eligibility criteria, possibly leading to a blanket ban on transgender women in female events ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, the situation is more nuanced for athletes with differences in sex development (DSD)—a group of rare conditions involving a mix of male and female hormones, genes, or reproductive organs. While a blanket ban may apply to transgender athletes, DSD cases may require individualized consideration.
Divided Opinions Among Officials
Not all Olympic officials agree with the proposed ban. Andrew Parsons, President of the Paralympic Committee, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that he does not “believe in blanket solutions for such a complicated thing, especially because sports are so different in terms of what they demand from the athletes.” While the protection of women’s sport remains a priority, Parsons advocates for nuanced approaches that consider the unique demands of each sport.
Athletes Most Impacted by the Proposed Ban
If implemented, the IOC’s new rules would have a significant impact on several high-profile athletes:
1. Imane Khelif
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s participation in the 2024 Olympics sparked controversy after failing a gender eligibility test prior to the World Championships in New Delhi. Disqualified from the event, Khelif has yet to undergo mandatory sex screening introduced by World Boxing. She is appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to compete without further screening, but her future remains uncertain under the new IOC guidelines.
2. Laurel Hubbard
Laurel Hubbard made history as the first openly transgender woman to compete in a solo Olympic event at Tokyo 2020. Despite her achievements, Hubbard failed to complete a lift at the Games and has since retired. As the rules stand, Hubbard will not compete in future Olympics, regardless of any ban.
3. Lia Thomas
American swimmer Lia Thomas became the first openly transgender woman to win a collegiate swimming title in 2022, igniting debate over fairness and inclusion. World Aquatics recently updated its rules, requiring transgender athletes to have transitioned before age 12. Thomas, who transitioned during university, was excluded from the Paris Olympics and is unlikely to compete in future Games, even if the IOC ban is not enacted.
4. Chelsea Wolfe
BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe was selected as an alternate for Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympics, only to be excluded by the UCI’s rule prohibiting athletes who transitioned after male puberty from competing in women’s events. Wolfe’s social media controversy further distanced her from Olympic participation, with USA Cycling confirming she is no longer a member.
5. Emily Bridges
British cyclist Emily Bridges also saw her Olympic dreams dashed by the UCI’s rule change. Offered the chance to compete in the men/open category, Bridges declined, expressing that her passion for competition had been irreparably affected.
The Road Ahead
The IOC’s ongoing discussions signal a pivotal moment for the future of women’s sport and the inclusion of transgender and DSD athletes. While the protection of fair competition remains a priority, the debate highlights the need for policies that balance fairness, science, and compassion. As the sporting world awaits the IOC’s final decision, athletes like Imane Khelif, Laurel Hubbard, Lia Thomas, Chelsea Wolfe, and Emily Bridges exemplify the personal and professional stakes at play.
The outcome of these deliberations will not only determine who can compete at the Olympics but will also shape the broader conversation around gender, identity, and inclusivity in sport for years to come.
