PRESS RELEASE

FIMS Calls for Evidence-Based, Sport-Specific Approach to IOC Eligibility Policy

Lausanne, 17 April 2026

The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), founded in 1928, has reviewed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) policy on eligibility for the women's category in Olympic sports.

FIMS supports fairness, safety and athlete welfare in women's sport. While biological differences between males and females are well described at the population level, current scientific evidence does not support applying these differences directly to determine eligibility for transgender athletes and athletes with differences of sex development (DSD). These athlete populations are biologically and physiologically distinct, and direct comparisons with typical male populations are not appropriate.

Drawing on expertise across sports medicine, endocrinology and human performance, FIMS has identified important concerns regarding the scientific and medical basis of the current IOC approach. At the same time, FIMS recognises the importance of supporting the IOC in developing scientifically robust and operationally feasible eligibility frameworks. Reliance on SRY gene status does not capture the biological and physiological factors that determine athletic performance, and no established relationship exists between SRY status and performance.

Over the past decade, IOC policy has evolved from hormone-based guidance (2015) to a non-prescriptive framework (2021), and now to a sex-based classification model incorporating genetic screening (2026). During this period, the underlying scientific evidence has remained limited, heterogeneous and, in several areas, characterised by uncertainty.

Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, Chair of the FIMS Scientific Commission, stated:

"The IOC has indicated that its policy is based on science. However, the current evidence base remains limited. The use of a single genetic marker does not reflect the multidimensional nature of human performance and raises important scientific, ethical and practical considerations."

There is no uniform agreement within the scientific community regarding the interpretation of the available evidence. While some emphasise the role of testosterone exposure during male puberty, others highlight the limitations of extrapolating population-level observations to transgender athletes and athletes with DSD, particularly in the absence of sport-specific data. This divergence reflects the complexity of the issue and the need for continued research directly examining performance outcomes.

Biological sex development is a complex, multi-factorial process involving genetic, endocrine and physiological pathways. The SRY gene is not a diagnostic tool for classifying biological sex and does not determine functional outcomes relevant to athletic performance. The relationship between genetic markers and performance is indirect and not established.

Implementation of genetic screening also presents practical and ethical challenges. These include variability in global testing capacity, access to specialist care, and the absence of consistent pathways for confirmatory evaluation. Mandatory testing raises important considerations regarding consent, confidentiality and potential long-term implications, particularly for younger athletes and those in resource-constrained settings.

FIMS recognises that policy decisions must often be made under conditions of uncertainty. However, such decisions should remain proportionate, transparent and aligned with the best available evidence. FIMS considers that current approaches would benefit from further scientific development and sport-specific validation. At present, there is no robust sport-specific evidence demonstrating that genetic screening provides independent value in determining eligibility or enhancing safety.

Proposed Way Forward

FIMS proposes a collaborative approach with the IOC and International Federations to strengthen the scientific and practical foundations of eligibility policy. This approach is intended as a constructive contribution to ongoing dialogue with the IOC and stakeholders across the sporting community. This includes:

• Development of sport-specific eligibility frameworks reflecting the physiological demands of individual sports
• Establishment of independent, large-scale research programmes focused on performance outcomes in relevant athlete populations
• Integration of multidimensional assessment approaches recognising the interaction of endocrine, physiological and performance factors
• Implementation of clear ethical standards, including access to genetic counselling, informed consent and protection of athlete welfare
• Creation of a transparent scientific advisory process, including publication of evidence, expert input and rationale for policy decisions

FIMS stands ready to work in partnership with the IOC to develop scientifically robust, operationally feasible and ethically sound approaches to eligibility in sport.

Conclusion

Ensuring fair and meaningful competition in the female category is an important objective. Achieving this requires policies that reflect biological complexity, acknowledge scientific uncertainty and are supported by robust, sport-specific evidence.

FIMS remains committed to constructive engagement with the IOC and all stakeholders to support evidence-based and athlete-centred approaches in global sport. FIMS welcomes continued dialogue with the IOC to further refine and strengthen eligibility frameworks considering emerging evidence.

About FIMS

The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) is a global organisation dedicated to advancing sports medicine, protecting athlete health and promoting fairness in sport.