The Olympics rule for women will start at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The organization wants to protect fairness and safety while respecting athletes’ rights. Therefore, only biological females can compete in women’s categories.

Under the new policy, athletes must take a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene, which influences male development. Athletes who test negative will qualify permanently for women’s events. They can provide saliva, cheek swabs, or blood samples, and the test only occurs once unless someone challenges the result.

Athletes who test positive for the SRY gene cannot join women’s competitions. However, exceptions exist for rare conditions, such as Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), or other differences in sex development that do not give performance advantages. Those athletes can still compete in men’s, mixed, or open events.

Moreover, IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that the rules rely on scientific evidence. She added that athletes will receive education, counseling, and medical support throughout the process. Coventry explained, “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category, and in some sports it would not be safe.”

The IOC reviewed these changes from September 2024 to March 2026. They consulted legal, medical, and ethical experts. In addition, over 1,100 athletes worldwide shared their feedback. The organization clarified that the rules apply only to elite competitions under its jurisdiction. They do not affect recreational or grassroots sports.

Finally, the Olympics rule for women give athletes, coaches, and federations clear guidance. As a result, LA28 will run with transparent and fair competition standards.