USOPC Bars Transgender Women from Competing in Women’s Categories

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced on Tuesday that individuals assigned male at birth are no longer eligible to compete in women’s categories on Team USA.

This decision means that male-identifying athletes will be excluded from women’s competitions in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Reports indicate that this move follows an order issued by former President Trump in February to “Stop Men from Women’s Sports.”

The new policy instructs state attorney generals to enforce protections for women’s teams and facilities. In a letter sent to Team USA, USOPC President Jean Sykes and CEO Sarah Hirschland reaffirmed their commitment to federal guidelines.

“As a federally chartered organization, we must abide by federal expectations. The guidance we’ve received aligns with the Ted Stevens Act, reinforcing our responsibility to ensure safety and fairness for athletes,” stated the letter.

The USOPC emphasized its dedication to safeguarding women’s categories across Olympic events, highlighting its coordination with governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee and the National Sports Federation. This policy aligns with the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act, which addresses eligibility issues in amateur sports.

“In our elite sports environment, equity means harmonizing athlete inclusion with available opportunities. This applies to all genders, especially to transgender individuals. To achieve this, we need to rely on real data and scientific evidence rather than ideology,” a note on the USOPC website indicates.

While the USOPC has not specified how this policy will be enforced or whether any similar restrictions will be applied to male competitions, US fencing has already implemented corresponding rules. Starting August 1, all trans-identifying athletes, including non-binary and intersex individuals, will be limited to the male division.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, chair of the Department of Government Efficiency Subcommittee, held a hearing in May regarding USA Fencing’s gender eligibility criteria, which previously allowed trans athletes to compete in the women’s division. This topic arose after a female fencer, Stephanie Turner, faced consequences for competing against a male athlete several months ago.

“Women’s sports should be exclusive to women. Those promoting biological males competing with women jeopardize female athletes’ safety. Stephanie Turner had the courage to challenge this situation, and she’s a hero for women across the country,” Greene stated.

The USOPC did not respond promptly to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.