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, TR and Tucker, R and McGawley, K and Williams, AG and Millet, GP and Sandbakk, Ø and Howatson, G and Brown, GA and Carlson, LA and Chantler, S and Chen, MA and Heffernan, SM and Heron, N and Kirk, C and Murphy, MH and Pollock, N and Pringle, J and Richardson, A and Santos‐Concejero, J and Stebbings, GK and Christiansen, AV and Phillips, SM and Devine, C and Jones, C and Pike, J and Hilton, EN (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 & science in sports, 34 (3). pp. 1-12. ISSN 0905-7188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14581

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.

More Information

Divisions:	Carnegie School of Sport and School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14581
Status:	Published
Refereed:	Yes
Publisher:	Wiley
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Authors
Uncontrolled Keywords:	exercise; sport; sports medicine; sports policy; transgender; Female; Humans; Male; Gender Identity; Sports; Athletes; Testosterone; Sports Medicine; 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 1116 Medical Physiology; Sport Sciences
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic
Depositing User (symplectic)	Deposited by Mann, Elizabeth
Date Deposited:	26 Mar 2024 11:00
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2024 20:33
Item Type:	Article