Countdown to the Olympics Sparks Gender Testing for Female Skiers and Snowboarders
As the Winter Olympics draw near, significant changes in gender testing policies for female skiers and snowboarders are taking shape. With just 100 days until the Games, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has initiated the process of identifying eligible athletes who will undergo gender testing before heading to Italy.
New Gender Testing Requirements
The International Ski Federation (FIS) recently implemented a new rule mandating athletes competing in women’s events to undergo an SRY gene test. This test identifies the presence of the Y chromosome, which is typically found in male athletes. The USOPC aims to streamline this process based on previous experiences with similar testing in sports like track and boxing.
Efforts from the USOPC
Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, the chief medical officer of the USOPC, emphasized the committee’s role in facilitating testing for athletes. The organization has focused on identifying laboratories and testing options to ensure a smooth process.
- Testing costs approximately $250 per athlete.
- World Athletics has provided financial support to cover some of the testing expenses.
- FIS has not disclosed if it will assist with costs.
Despite the limited number of athletes qualifying for the U.S. team, the volume of tests could reach several hundred. This is due to the upcoming FIS-sanctioned events that will influence team selection.
Broader Policy Implications
The introduction of these gender testing requirements follows a quiet adjustment of the USOPC policy on gender in sports. In July, the USOPC restricted transgender women from competing in women’s categories, aligning with an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at protecting women’s sports.
Gene Sykes, board chair of the USOPC, noted that this executive order aligns closely with international trends. He mentioned that many global sports federations are adopting similar stances on gender testing.
International Olympic Committee Actions
The new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, has indicated a desire for stronger policies regarding gender in sports. The IOC has established a working group to review these issues comprehensively. Coventry’s stance parallels the current policies of FIS and World Athletics.
As discussions continue, Sykes advocated for caution in how the USOPC influences policy formation, stressing the importance of respecting governmental decisions while guiding national governing bodies to comply with existing legislation.
