Transgender Athletes at 2028 Olympics Face Uncertainty as IOC Considers Blanket Ban

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry is reportedly leading a significant shift in policy, which could see a blanket ban on transgender athletes competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This move would affect athletes like Imane Khelif, who made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning a boxing gold in the women's 68kg category. Under current rules, each sport decides whether transgender women can compete based on their testosterone levels. However, the IOC is considering a unified approach, which would ban all transgender athletes from participating in women's events. This change is part of Coventry's campaign, which contributed to her election as IOC president earlier this year. The proposed ban is not expected to take effect before the Winter Olympics next year. It's anticipated that the new policy will be fully implemented within six to 12 months. This development comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prevent transgender women from competing in female sports. While an IOC statement suggests that no decisions have been made, a recent presentation by IOC medical director Dr Jane Thornton highlighted the distinction between transgender and DSD (difference of sex development) athletes. The presentation also emphasized the need for a science-based review of the issue. The IOC's working group is continuing to discuss the topic, and a final decision has not been reached. The fate of transgender athletes like Imane Khelif hangs in the balance as the international sports community waits for the IOC's decision.