The US President has indicated that female athletes competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could face compulsory gender verification procedures.
This development emerges against the backdrop of significant debate from the recent Paris Games.
The International Olympic Committee had previously permitted athletes to participate based on passport documentation during the Paris Games.
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This approach differed from other sporting bodies' policies and became a focal point of debate when questions arose about two boxing gold medallists' eligibility.
Imane Khelif won gold at the 2024 Olympics
|PA
Algerian welterweight Imane Khelif and Taiwanese featherweight Lin Yu-ting secured gold medals in their divisions at the Paris Games, achieving victory through multiple knockdowns. However, their participation sparked intense debate after revelations about their exclusion from the 2023 Women's World Championships in New Delhi.
During a Tuesday press briefing about the upcoming Olympics, Donald Trump responded to questions regarding athlete eligibility by stating: "Well, I think there is going to be a very strong form of testing."
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The 79-year-old president emphasised that competitors who fail to meet the appropriate criteria would be excluded from participation, declaring: "And if the test doesn't come out appropriately, they won't be in the Olympics."
His comments follow disputes that dominated coverage of the Paris Olympics concerning two boxing champions.
The president's remarks came in response to a reporter's inquiry about potential legal action against individuals who might misrepresent their gender to compete against American athletes. The journalist also asked whether his administration would implement genetic verification for competitors.
Donald Trump took a firm stance on sex testing for the Olympics
|Reuters
Whilst Trump indicated the Attorney General would need to address questions about criminal charges, he confirmed that rigorous verification measures would be introduced.
The International Boxing Association had barred both athletes from the championship event after they reportedly did not satisfy gender eligibility requirements. The IBA stated that whilst the competitors weren't subjected to testosterone testing, they underwent alternative assessments that remained confidential.
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According to the organisation, these evaluations "conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors."
The IOC had assumed control of Olympic boxing after removing the IBA's recognition in June 2023 due to governance issues. This shift in authority resulted in different eligibility standards being applied at the Paris Games compared to other international competitions.
Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif had controversial wins in Paris
|PA
Beyond addressing gender verification, Trump revealed plans to establish a White House working group to supervise various aspects of the Los Angeles Games.
The president will personally chair this committee as the US prepares to host the Summer Olympics for the third occasion.
Meanwhile, World Athletics has implemented new requirements for female competitors at the upcoming Tokyo World Championships.
Athletes must complete a single genetic screening through either a cheek swab or blood sample to establish their eligibility for women's events at elite competitions.