American Olympic runner Nikki Hiltz, who identifies as transgender non-binary, slammed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) new policy requiring genetic sex verification for women's sports.
The IOC announced the policy to ensure only biological females compete in women’s events, citing fairness, safety, and integrity. Testing can be done via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample.
Hiltz responded on Instagram Stories, criticizing the move as rooted in transphobia and not addressing actual issues in women’s sports.
“No trans women competed in the Paris Olympics,” Hiltz stated. “This policy is not solving a problem that exists.”
IOC President Kirsty Coventry defended the rule, calling it science-based and necessary for fair competition.
The policy applies to competitions starting with the LA28 Games. Critics argue it unfairly targets transgender athletes and infringes on privacy.