Story perspectives

IOC Implements Controversial SRY Gene Testing for Women Athletes

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The International Olympic Committee has implemented a policy requiring testing for the SRY gene in women’s competitions to exclude transgender women.
The policy could exclude intersex women who have male and female traits.
The IOC's sex-testing history misidentified intersex athletes, including Ewa Klobukowska and Maria José Martínez-Patiño.
Critics say the genetic test does not reliably measure advantage and overlooks biological sex complexity, potentially sidelining intersex athletes from Olympic participation.

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Story summary

The International Olympic Committee has implemented a policy requiring testing for the SRY gene in women’s competitions to exclude transgender women.
The policy could exclude intersex women who have male and female traits.
The IOC's sex-testing history misidentified intersex athletes, including Ewa Klobukowska and Maria José Martínez-Patiño.
Critics say the genetic test does not reliably measure advantage and overlooks biological sex complexity, potentially sidelining intersex athletes from Olympic participation.