WASHINGTON, USA – In a landmark policy shift, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has officially banned transgender women who have undergone male puberty from participating in women’s Olympic and Paralympic competitions.
The move comes in compliance with a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The directive has sparked intense national debate, drawing both sharp criticism and vocal support.
Under this policy, national sports bodies including USA Swimming, USA Track & Field, and others are now bound to adopt strict eligibility criteria that bar all transgender women—regardless of their hormone levels or medical transition status—from competing in the female category.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of USOPC, stated that the committee had “no choice” but to comply with the federal order, though she acknowledged concerns over the lack of scientific review or individual case assessment.
The decision stands in stark contrast to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s current framework, which allows trans women to compete if they meet specific testosterone thresholds.
Critics argue the ban reinforces discrimination against an already marginalised group and note that the scientific consensus around trans athletes’ supposed advantages remains inconclusive. Civil rights groups are expected to challenge the move in U.S. courts, with a major case already headed to the Supreme Court later this year.
The ban is likely to have widespread implications for school, college, and professional-level sports, forcing institutions to choose between inclusion and adherence to federal funding requirements.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.