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US President Donald Trump has announced that female athletes competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games may be required to undergo a one-time genetic sex test as part of their eligibility verification. This move comes amid ongoing debates over gender classification in professional sports.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, August 6, Trump addressed concerns sparked by controversies at the Paris 2024 Games, where Algerian welterweight boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese featherweight Lin Yu-ting were at the center of gender eligibility disputes. Both athletes had been disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships by the former International Boxing Association (IBA) over alleged gender verification issues. Although cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Paris, questions about their status persisted.
The IBA stated that while the athletes were not subjected to testosterone testing, they underwent another confidential method. The organization maintained that both athletes had a competitive edge over female opponents and did not meet eligibility standards.
The IOC later overruled the IBA’s position, affirming that gender eligibility for Olympic athletes would be based on passport documentation, consistent with previous competitions.
When asked if his administration would enforce stricter safeguards for female athletes, especially in combat sports, Trump said: “There is going to be a very strong form of testing. If the test doesn’t come out appropriately, they won’t be in the Olympics.”
Trump also mentioned that any legal action against individuals misrepresenting their gender to compete would fall under the Department of Justice, although no specific legal framework was outlined. He additionally announced the creation of a White House-led Olympic task force, which he will personally oversee to coordinate preparations for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
This announcement aligns with recent moves by World Athletics, which has introduced mandatory one-time genetic testing for all female athletes ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo next month. Starting September 1, athletes must undergo testing for the SRY gene—a widely accepted biological sex marker—using non-invasive methods such as cheek swabs or blood tests.
Prominent athletes, including Team GB’s Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell, are required to complete the test to participate in the Tokyo Championships starting September 13.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be the third time the city hosts the Games, previously welcoming athletes in 1932 and 1984. The last Summer Olympics held in the United States took place in Atlanta in 1996.
