The head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) presses for a science-based approach, rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions, while major figures like Donald Trump push for firmer restrictions ahead of LA28 as the role of transgender athletes in sports remains a polarising topic.
Andrew Parsons made his stance clear—no dodging, no detours. The Brazilian sports executive laid it out plainly in an interview with BBC Sport on Thursday, tackling one of the most burning issues in global discourse: transgender athlete regulations. In an era where inclusion and competitive fairness are at the heart of the sporting debate, the Rio de Janeiro native rejected the all-encompassing model: His remarks came in the wake of US President Trump’s recent executive order, barring transgender women from competing in female categories—a move endorsed by several candidates vying for the International Olympic Committee presidency.
“Protecting the female category is our top priority,” Parsons asserted. However, he acknowledged that the growing number of transgender athletes seeking elite competition demands a nuanced approach. “I don’t believe in a single rule for all sports. Every discipline has its own requirements,” he added, stressing the need for “a science-driven policy”.
The Inernational Olympic Committee and IPC have so far left transgender eligibility decisions in the hands of national federations. Yet, as calls for stricter policies gain traction, that autonomy may not last. World Athletics, led by Sebastian Coe, one of the frontrunners to succeed current chair Thomas Bach, punished transgender women from female categories in international events.
In contrast, World Para Athletics permits the participation of athletes legally recognised as a female, provided their disability classification aligns. One athlete at the centre of this debate is Valentina Petrillo, the first transgender sprinter to compete at the Paralympics in Paris 2024. Her presence scintillated a firestorm of opinions—some perceived her as a symbol of inclusion, others argued her participation jeopardised competitive fairness.
Trump, unapologetic as ever, doubled down on his position, vowing to block transgender athletes from competing in women’s events at LA28. “We won’t let this absolutely ridiculous matter tarnish the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he declared, even hinting at visa restrictions for transgender athletes entering the United States. Parsons remained cautious about the potential impact of Trump’s policies, evoking that three years remain until LA28 and each federation sets its own regulations. “We’ll work with the organisers to ensure all federations’ rules are respected,” he set forth. Regarding visa bans, he insisted on a fact-based approach, stating: “We need to assess these measures and see how we can navigate any decisions that arise.”
Tensions between Trump and the IPC are nothing new. In 2018, the committee publicly criticised him after he described the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics as “tough to watch,” a remark widely condemned. Still, Parsons admitted that, despite their differences, the New York mogul is a staunch sports supporter, and his administration could play a role in LA28’s success.
Apart from the transgender debate, the IPC faces another crucial decision—the reintegration of Russia and Belarus into Paralympic competition. Both nations were barred after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though neutral-status athletes competed in Paris 2024. Parsons noted that a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia could influence their participation in Milano Cortina 2026, hinting that an armistice before the IPC’s September General Assembly might sway the vote.
Moreover, the IOC presidential race brought the transgender concern into sharp focus. African candidate Kirsty Coventry backs a total suspension on transgender women competing in female categories, advocating restrictions based on biological sex, while Coe warns that women’s sport is at a crossroads, urging action to safeguard future generations of female athletes. Johan Eliasch, another presidential hopeful, argues that decisions must be grounded in “science and facts, not ideology,” while Prince Faisal Bin al-Hussein promises to “close the gender gap” if elected.
Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. deemed Paris 2024 the best Olympics he has attended, yet admitted the transgender debate had created “social alarm”, calling for IOC leadership on the subject. If elected, he plans to establish a “scientific council” to clarify policies and protect the female category, stressing that a definitive ruling must come before the Italian edition in less than a year. In contrast, UCI chief David Lappartient approached the topic from an inclusion and diversity perspective, steering clear of the female category debate. Morinari Watanabe, commander of worldwide gymnastics, meanwhile, was one of the few candidates to avoid the issue altogether.
Bearing in mind that the IOC presidency up for grabs, transgender eligibility, alongside Russia and Belarus’s return to sport, has become a defining battleground. The next IOC face—the tenth in over a century—will be chosen at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, from 18 to 21 March, a decision that could reshape the Olympic movement for years to come.
