American transgender women will no longer be permitted to compete in women’s events at the Olympics and Paralympics following a policy update by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The new rule, effective July 21, 2025, was introduced under the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy in a new section titled “Additional Requirements.” It aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”
The USOPC stated that the update aims to “ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment,” in accordance with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act.
In a memo sent to Team USA athletes, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes affirmed the committee’s duty to comply with federal directives. The memo referenced Trump’s order mandating single-sex participation in sports and facilities, warning that institutions not in compliance could lose federal funding.
“All National Governing Bodies are required to update their applicable policies in alignment,” the USOPC said in a statement, stressing its commitment to fairness in women’s sports.
The policy shift reflects a broader trend in U.S. athletic governance. The NCAA recently adopted similar rules, limiting women’s sports participation to athletes assigned female at birth.
The USOPC added that it has held “respectful and constructive conversations” with federal officials while implementing the directive. The timing of the change comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
