IOC Re-Introduces Gender Testing For Olympics | Explained: History And FAQs

Last Updated:March 27, 2026, 11:07 IST

IOC to use one time SRY gene tests from 2028 Olympics, limiting womens events to biological females, reigniting debates over transgender and DSD athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that only “biological females" will be eligible to compete in women’s events from the 2028 Summer Olympics onwards.

The move marks the return of testing for gender to determine eligibility at the Olympic level, ending a more flexible framework — which allowed individual federations to decide their own policy– introduced in 2021.

What Is The New Rule On Gender Testing?

Under the new rules, eligibility will be determined through a one-time SRY gene screening. The IOC said, “Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females, determined on the basis of a one-time SRY gene screening".

IOC president Kirsty Coventry defended the move, stating: “The policy we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts." She added, “So it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe."

History Of Gender Testing

Gender verification in sport dates back decades.

Questions around athletes’ sex first emerged during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

By the 1960s, invasive physical checks — infamously called “naked parades" — were used.

Come 1968, chromosome testing replaced visual inspections, which later evolved into genetic screening for the SRY gene.

However, scientific criticism grew, emphasising that biological sex is more complex than chromosomes alone. By 1999, the IOC abandoned mandatory testing.

The debate resurfaced with the case of Caster Semenya, as testosterone levels and differences in sexual development (DSD) came into the limelight. Since then, policies have varied across sports.

Dutee Chand’s case was a major landmark. The Indian sprinter appraoched Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after World Athletics fixed a maximum level of testosterone to produce more convincing proof that it helped in increased sporting performance. It resulted in athletes with hyperandrogenism having to manage hormone levels.

Why Are Tests Returning?

Recent controversies — including eligibility disputes in boxing over Imane Khelif eligibility at the 2024 Olympics — have intensified calls for uniform rules. The IOC’s aim is to standardise criteria across all sports instead of leaving decisions to individual federations.

Everything You Need To Know:

What are the tests?

A simple saliva, cheek swab, or blood test to detect the SRY gene — done once in a lifetime.

Who can be affected?

Transgender women and many athletes with DSD may be excluded from women’s events under the new rules.

Can athletes challenge test results?

Athletes can provide medical evidence, though doing so can involve complex and intrusive procedures.

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