The Story Why the Olympics may ban transgender athletes
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Nov 12, 2025 Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter for The Times, dives into the contentious issue of transgender athletes in the Olympics. He explores the IOC's potential ban on transgender women competing in female events and sheds light on the pressure for action stemming from recent controversies. Ziegler discusses the historical context of the eligibility debate, the nuanced differences between transgender and DSD athletes, and the varied reactions from the sports community. He also examines how political influences, including US leadership, have shaped this ongoing conversation.
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History Of The Eligibility Debate
- The IOC debate over transgender and DSD athletes has been active for about 15 years, intensifying with figures like Caster Semenya.
- Semenya's case highlighted how differences of sexual development raise questions about permanent biological advantages in female sport.
From Testosterone Rules To Scientific Review
- The IOC originally prioritized inclusion and used testosterone thresholds (first 10, then 5 nmol/L) to allow participation.
- Recent scientific reviews argue male-born advantages persist even after testosterone suppression, prompting policy re-evaluation.
Boxing Controversy At Paris 2024
- At Paris 2024 an Algerian boxer, Iman Khalif, prompted controversy after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests.
- Opponents reported fear and extreme physicality, and one Italian boxer withdrew after 48 seconds citing unusually hard punches.