Australian sports presenter Lucy Zelić strongly supports the International Olympic Committee’s new policy restricting women’s events to biological females starting at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. She views the change as essential to safeguard the fairness of women’s competitions after prolonged debates on inclusion.

IOC’s New Genetic Screening Policy

The updated IOC framework requires athletes in women’s events to undergo a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene, linked to male biological development. Testing options include a cheek swab, saliva sample, or blood draw. Zelić describes this as a minor, non-intrusive step that protects women and girls in sports.

“I applaud the International Olympic Committee’s decision to preserve and protect the female category at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and future Games,” Zelić stated. “This is a much-welcomed but long-overdue determination and will go towards undoing the historic damage and egregious results that the prioritisation of ‘inclusion’ has produced.”

Historical Context and Key Cases

The policy addresses ongoing concerns highlighted by cases like Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who won Olympic gold in Paris 2024 amid gender eligibility questions, and Laurel Hubbard, the first openly transgender woman to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Other examples include Chelsea Wolfe, Team USA’s first openly transgender Olympic BMX athlete, and Hannah Mouncey, who played handball for Australia in both men’s and women’s categories.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry defends the ban, stating it ensures fairness by preventing biological males from competing in the female category. The organization emphasizes science-based decisions, support for affected athletes, and mental health resources for those with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).

Zelić’s Defense Amid Criticisms

Zelić acknowledges the policy’s impact on a minority but prioritizes the majority in women’s sports. “I understand that this ruling will affect a minority but we cannot continue to place the needs of a minority over the majority of women when so much is at stake,” she said.

Critics, including Amnesty International’s Steve Cockburn, warn of increased discrimination, especially for women from the Global South. Dsdfamilies spokeswoman Ellie Magritte calls for rules aligned with modern DSD care to avoid harm. Zelić counters that elite sports prioritize fair competition over inclusion.

“Elite individual and team sports has never, nor should it have ever, been about inclusion,” Zelić remarked. “It’s about the best athletes in the world being given an opportunity to compete fairly, safely, and be rewarded for their life-long dedication.”

Broader Implications for Sports

Zelić argues that biological advantages persist despite testosterone suppression, citing Australian Sports Commission guidelines. She hopes other bodies, like Football Australia and Netball Australia, adopt similar standards, extending fairness from elite to grassroots levels.

“We are not ‘biological’ women, we are not ‘cis-gender’ women – we are just women,” she emphasized. “Talented, strong, ambitious and deserving of protection, safety and a level playing field.”

The IOC policy, developed through consultations with experts and athletes, applies prospectively and excludes grassroots sports. It signals a push toward global consistency amid varying federation rules.