LOSANNA (SVIZZERA) (ITALPRESS) – From now on, at the Olympics and in all other events under igida Cio, the female competitions will be able to take part in the athletes that biologically are women to all effects. This is what the International Olympic Committee announces, with the introduction of tests for the SRY gene: the examination will be carried out only once and in case of a negative outcome the athletes will be allowed to compete in the female races. According to Cio, “on the basis of scientific evidence, the presence of the SRY gene is constant throughout life and represents a highly accurate proof of male sexual development. In addition, the test (through saliva, oral swab or blood sample) is considered invasive compared to other methods.” If the result is positive, athletes, “including XY and XY-DSD transgenders sensitive to androgens, can still compete in other categories for which they are suitable”, i.e. male races, mixed races in places reserved for men, or in “open” competitions, without division for sex. “Today we of Cio have adopted a policy of protection of the female category. I understand that this is a very sensitive issue – says Kirsty Coventry, number one of the International Olympic Committee – As a former athlete, I firmly believe in the right of all Olympics to compete fairly.”.
Coventry points out that these measures are “based on science and expert opinions. Scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give an advantage in performance in sports that require strength, power or resistance. At the Olympic Games, even the slightest differences can determine victory or defeat. It is therefore clear that it would not be fair to allow those who are biologically a male to compete in the female category. Also, in some sports it would not even be safe. Each athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes must be screened once in their lives. It is necessary to ensure clear information on the process, with psychological support and specialist medical advice”. “The Olympic Games are focused on elite sports, and in elite sports we must ensure fairness, security and integrity in all competitions – he added – I am aware that there will be many questions, and Cio will work with all stakeholders to address them in the coming months. This is just a first step in the process. There will be a lot more information coming.”.
From Lausanne they point out that “suitability should be based on biological sex” and that the decision taken is the result of a work started in September 2024 and that involved federations and athletes. “A broad consensus has emerged on the need for clear, scientific rules, to ensure fairness and safety in the female category,” reads again in the note of Cio, adding that “does not question the identity of gender or the legal sex of the athlete”.
The Cio had used genetic testing between 1968 and the 1996 Atlanta Games, but had not gone back after the controversies that had accompanied the case of Imane Khelif in the Olympic women’s boxing tournament in Paris2024, although in 2021 he had given white paper to the International Federations to independently establish their own guidelines on the theme. The measures announced today in fact align the Cio to what established in other disciplines as light athletics, boxing and skiing but will not have retroactive value – the Khelif gold is therefore not questioned – and will be applied from Los Angeles 2028. Precisely avoided a confrontation with the Trump administration that had already banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories in school, university and professional events, with the US president who had decided to extend the ban also to the Games of 2028.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
