The World International Olympic Committee bans transgender women from competing in women's events
Mar 26, 2026
Orla Berry, Europe correspondent reporting on the IOC decision, explains the new ban and its controversial SRY test. George Soroka, academic on politics and propaganda, explores rising violent rhetoric and its global echoes. Jeff Ramsey, Atlantic Council analyst on Latin America, examines Maduro’s U.S. court appearance and the wider Venezuelan fallout. Short, topical conversations on sport rules, war language, and geopolitics.
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DSD Athletes Also Impacted By IOC Genetic Rule
- The IOC ruling also excludes many people with differences of sexual development (DSD), not just transgender women.
- Athletes like Caster Semenya, who have XY chromosomes but were raised female, would be barred under the new genetic test.
Trans Advocates See IOC Decision As Further Marginalization
- Trans advocates say the IOC move is part of wider measures pushing transgender people out of public life across countries.
- Deekshita Genneson of Transgender Europe warned it will further marginalize already vulnerable communities.
Maduro's U.S. Prosecution Tests Head of State Immunity
- Nicolás Maduro appeared in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges after a U.S. military capture in January.
- The U.S. argues Maduro isn't a legitimate head of state; diplomatic shifts complicate immunity claims and Venezuela's interim government may avoid funding his defense.