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

LUNDBERG, Tommy, TUCKER, Ross, MCGAWLEY, Kerry, WILLIAMS, Alun, MILLET, Gregoire, SANDBAKK, Øyvind, HOWATSON, Glyn, BROWN, Gregory, CARLSON, Lara, CHANTLER, Sarah, CHEN, Mark, HEFFERNAN, Shane, HERON, Neil, KIRK, Christopher, MURPHY, Marie, POLLOCK, Noel, PRINGLE, Jamie, RICHARDSON, Andrew, SANTOS-CONCEJERO, Jordan, STEBBINGS, Georgina, CHRISTIANSEN, Ask, PHILLIPS, Stuart, DEVINE, Cathy, JONES, Carwyn, PIKE, Jon and HILTON, Emma (2024). The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports.

Preview	PDF Kirk-TheIOCFramework(AAM).pdf - Accepted Version Creative Commons Attribution. Download (763kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF Kirk-IOCFrameworkOnFairness(VoR).pdf - Published Version Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a Framework on Fairness, Inclusion, and Non-discrimination 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 stigmatisation 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 re-evaluate 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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 1116 Medical Physiology; Sport Sciences; 3202 Clinical sciences; 3208 Medical physiology; 4207 Sports science and exercise
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14581
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2024 12:56
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2024 14:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33208

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads

Publication Metrics