Transgender people* have been officially banned from participating in women's competitions at the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced a new policy banning transgender* individuals from participating in women's competitions. The corresponding statement was published on the organization's official website.

"Only biological women are now eligible to compete in women's sports at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event," the statement emphasized. The new rules, which are said to be aimed at ensuring fairness, safety, and integrity in sport, will take effect starting with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. They are not retroactive and do not apply to mass or amateur sports.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry commented on the new regulation: "As a former athlete, I firmly believe in the right of all Olympians to compete fairly. The policy we've announced is based on scientific evidence and developed by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the slightest difference can decide the outcome of a competition. Therefore, it's absolutely clear that it would be unfair for biological males to compete in the female category. Furthermore, in some sports, it's simply unsafe."

It's worth noting that the 2024 Paris Olympics, and in particular the situations surrounding boxers Iman Khelif and Lin Yuting, have drawn particular attention to the issue of transgender athletes' participation in women's competitions. Both athletes were disqualified by the International Boxing Association for failing gender testing and, according to laboratory data, having XY chromosomes. However, due to a conflict between the IBA and the IOC, the results were not recognized, and the boxers were allowed to compete at the Games. Ultimately, both athletes won gold medals. The events sparked widespread public outcry, and many influential figures, including Donald Trump, Dmitry Peskov, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling, issued criticism.

The Olympic Committee previously stated that it did not intend to impose sanctions against athletes from Israel and the United States.

Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesEmmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images*The "International LGBT Public Movement" has been declared extremist and banned in Russia.