The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes

Lundberg, Tommy R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6818-6230, Tucker, Ross ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4294-4822, McGawley, Kerry ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1273-6061, Williams, Alun G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8052-8184, Millet, Grégoire P ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8081-4423, Sandbakk, Øyvind ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9014-5152, Howatson, Glyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8494-2043, Brown, Gregory A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9928-217X, Carlson, Lara A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3526-0652, Chantler, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3215-092X, Chen, Mark A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3605-2198, Heffernan, Shane M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3297-9335, Heron, Neil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4123-9806, Kirk, Christopher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6207-027X, Murphy, Marie H ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3482-3323, Pollock, Noel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4660-2835, Pringle, Jamie, Richardson, Andrew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7184-5930, Santos-Concejero, Jordan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9467-525X, Stebbings, Georgina K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0706-2864, Christiansen, Ask Vest ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6115-6314, Phillips, Stuart M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1956-4098, Devine, Cathy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2652-0771, Jones, Carwyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0033-8098, Pike, Jon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2874-1180 and Hilton, Emma N ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3750-577X (2024) The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 34 (3). e14581. ISSN 0905-7188

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Abstract

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a framework on fairness, inclusion, and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. Although we appreciate the IOC's recognition of the role of sports science and medicine in policy development, we disagree with the assertion that the IOC framework is consistent with existing scientific and medical evidence and question its recommendations for implementation. Testosterone exposure during male development results in physical differences between male and female bodies; this process underpins male athletic advantage in muscle mass, strength and power, and endurance and aerobic capacity. The IOC's “no presumption of advantage” principle disregards this reality. Studies show that transgender women (male-born individuals who identify as women) with suppressed testosterone retain muscle mass, strength, and other physical advantages compared to females; male performance advantage cannot be eliminated with testosterone suppression. The IOC's concept of “meaningful competition” is flawed because fairness of category does not hinge on closely matched performances. The female category ensures fair competition for female athletes by excluding male advantages. Case-by-case testing for transgender women may lead to stigmatization and cannot be robustly managed in practice. We argue that eligibility criteria for female competition must consider male development rather than relying on current testosterone levels. Female athletes should be recognized as the key stakeholders in the consultation and decision-making processes. We urge the IOC to reevaluate the recommendations of their Framework to include a comprehensive understanding of the biological advantages of male development to ensure fairness and safety in female sports.