France has criticized the International Olympic Committee’s new policy on gender testing for women’s events, calling it a “step backwards,” while other countries have welcomed the move. The policy, announced Thursday, will allow only biological females to compete in women’s events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, effectively barring transgender women and many athletes with differences in ual development, previously known as inter athletes.
France’s Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said the tests, banned under French law, target women and undermine the principle of equality. She noted that the IOC scrapped similar tests in 1999 due to scientific concerns and argued the new policy could stigmatize inter athletes. Jean Gracia, president of France’s athletics federation, added that French athletes would comply with testing requirements while competing abroad.
In contrast, New Zealand’s Olympic Committee said the policy would provide greater clarity and fairness, following controversies like transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard competing in Tokyo 2021. New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol said the ruling ensures consistency in eligibility for female athletes.
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman welcomed the IOC’s careful investigation of the complex issue. JK Rowling also praised the decision as a “welcome return to fair sport for women and girls,” recalling the Paris 2024 controversy over gender eligibility.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry clarified that athletes from countries where gender testing is banned can be tested abroad, with genetic testing determining the presence of the SRY gene that identifies biological males. Tests involve a cheek swab or blood sample and are carried out only once in an athlete’s career. Coventry said the policy supports equality, fairness, and safety in competition.
The decision aligns with an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump last year banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.
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