U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that female athletes may be required to undergo a one-time genetic sεx test to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, citing ongoing disputes over gender eligibility in competitive sports.

 

During a press briefing on Tuesday, August 6, Trump referenced the controversies from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where boxers Imane Khelif (Algeria) and Lin Yu-ting (Taiwan), previously disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships, were cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) despite concerns over their gender status.

 

While the former International Boxing Association (IBA) alleged the athletes had biological advantages and failed to meet gender eligibility criteria, the IOC maintained its policy of recognizing athletes’ passport sex marker for Olympic participation.

 

Addressing concerns about fairness in women’s sports, especially in contact events, Trump stated:

 

“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.”

 

 

 

He further revealed plans for a White House-led Olympic task force, which he will personally supervise, to handle all preparatory and regulatory matters ahead of LA 2028.

 

Although Trump hinted that legal action could be taken against athletes misrepresenting their gender, no detailed legal framework was presented.

 

This proposed measure echoes recent steps taken by World Athletics, which will enforce mandatory genetic testing for female participants in next month’s World Championships in Tokyo. Starting September 1, all female athletes must undergo testing for the SRY gene, a known indicator of biological sex, using non-invasive methods like cheek swabs or blood samples.

 

Top athletes, including Team GB’s Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell, must comply with the testing requirement to participate in the championships beginning September 13.

 

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be the third time the city hosts the global event, following the 1932 and 1984 editions. The last Summer Olympics on U.S. soil were held in Atlanta in 1996.