World Athletics president Sebastian Coe defended the institution’s new regulations regarding transgender athletes,responding to criticism leveled by Dutch athletes and sporting bodies. Coe highlighted the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) support for the policy, stating IOC chairman Kirsty Coventry has expressed interest in World Athletics’ approach.The debate centers on World Athletics’ decision to exclude transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in female world ranking competitions. The rules, enacted in March 2024, have sparked controversy and concern among athletes and advocacy groups who argue they are discriminatory. Coe addressed these concerns, emphasizing the need to protect fair competition in women’s athletics. He noted Coventry’s commitment to the policy and his own role in sharing information with the IOC as a member of the committee.
“IOC chairman Kirsty Coventry has committed herself to our policy. She is interested in what we do and I also share that information in my role as a member of the International Olympic Committee,” Coe said. The regulations require transgender women to have testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least 24 months before competition, a standard that has drawn scrutiny from those who believe it is overly restrictive and scientifically questionable. World Athletics maintains the rules are based on scientific evidence and are necessary to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.
