USOPC Investigates Genetic Testing Policy for Women Athletes

The White House has endorsed the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) investigation into the potential implementation of genetic sex testing for athletes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that female athletes compete in a safe environment, particularly in light of increasing discussions surrounding transgender athletes.

During a press conference on Tuesday, USOPC officials expressed their support for President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order aims to safeguard women’s competitions from biological male athletes. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Keeping men out of women’s sports is critical to ensuring the safety of female athletes and preserving the integrity of these elite events.” She also noted that this stance is backed by approximately 97 percent of the American public, highlighting the significance of adopting such measures by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

USOPC’s Approach to Genetic Testing

The USOPC is exploring options for genetic sex testing, specifically the SRY gene test, which is currently utilized by organizations such as World Athletics and World Boxing. Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, Chief Medical Officer of the USOPC, acknowledged that the SRY test is not commonly performed in the United States. He stated, “It’s not necessarily very common to get this specific test in the United States, so our goal is to help identify labs and options for athletes to obtain that testing.”

As the USOPC navigates this relatively uncharted territory, Finnoff indicated that the focus is on creating a seamless process for athletes. He mentioned that with the likelihood of other international federations following suit, the USOPC aims to establish effective protocols.

USOPC Board Chairman Gene Sykes supported the executive order, describing it as aligned with international trends regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. “The expectation is that this is where world sport, international sport, will go,” Sykes noted, reflecting a broader movement in sports governance.

Policy Amendments and Support for Female Athletes

In response to these developments, the USOPC has amended its athlete safety policy to better align with Trump’s directive. The updated policy states, “USOPC will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities… to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201.”

USOPC President Sarah Hirshland affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting female athletes, saying, “We’re here to be supportive and helpful. But at the end of the day, defining eligibility for competitions has to happen at the individual sport level, whether that’s globally or nationally.”

As the USOPC moves forward with this investigation, the implications for the future of women’s sports could be significant, particularly as the 2028 Olympics approach. The discussions surrounding genetic testing highlight ongoing debates about fairness and inclusion in athletics, reflecting broader societal conversations about gender and competition.