The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will release clear eligibility criteria for transgender athletes in the first months of 2026. This decision comes after months of internal deliberations aimed at creating a consistent and fair approach to protecting the female category in Olympic sports.

Controversy Over Transgender Participation

The participation of transgender athletes at the Olympic Games has long been a source of controversy, with no universal rule currently in place. Until now, the IOC allowed international federations to set their own guidelines, resulting in a patchwork of varying policies across different sports.

In 2021, the IOC instructed federations to develop individual rules, leaving transgender athletes eligible to compete in accordance with federation-specific policies. Only a handful of openly transgender athletes have competed under these rules. Notably, New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard became the first openly transgender athlete to compete in a different gender category at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, sparking global discussion.

IOC Takes Leadership Under President Kirsty Coventry

Since taking office, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion, has emphasized the need for a unified and clear approach. In June 2025, the IOC reversed its previous stance, deciding to establish centralized eligibility criteria for transgender athletes, rather than leaving the matter to individual federations.

In September, Coventry established the “Protection of the Female Category” working group, composed of experts and representatives from international federations. The group’s mandate is to identify fair ways to protect female athletes while allowing inclusive participation in Olympic competition.

“We will find ways to find a consensus that has all aspects covered,” Coventry said at a press conference following an IOC executive board meeting. “Maybe it is not the easiest thing to do, but we will try our best so that when we talk about the female category, we are protecting the female category.”

Expected Timeline and Next Steps

Coventry indicated that a decision will be announced within the first quarter of 2026, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and thorough review of scientific, ethical, and legal considerations.

“We want to make sure we have spoken to all stakeholders, taken adequate time to cross the Ts and dot the Is,” Coventry explained. She expressed confidence that the working group is progressing well and that a clear path forward for transgender athlete eligibility would soon be established.

Global and US Policy Context

Internationally, some federations have already implemented rules regarding transgender participation, while others have not. In contrast, US President Donald Trump’s administration has banned transgender athletes from participating in school sports, issuing the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order in February 2025. Civil society groups have criticized this move, stating it infringes on the rights of transgender individuals.

This issue has particular significance as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, where eligibility rules will play a crucial role in determining which athletes can compete.