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In a significant announcement, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) declared it will refrain from establishing any specific guidelines regarding the eligibility of transgender athletes before the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Games. This decision comes amidst escalating political pressure from the Trump administration and a heightened focus on the dynamics of access and inclusion within women’s sports.
During a press briefing following the first board meeting of 2025, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland emphasized that the committee does not intend to set eligibility standards, especially with the recent Executive Order 14201 from President Trump, titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, putting international participation frameworks at risk.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate,” Hirshland stated regarding the committee’s potential role. She highlighted that adjudicating athlete eligibility lies within the purview of international federations during global competitions and with national governing bodies for domestic events. This stance, while historically maintained by USOPC, now poses a significant challenge given the conflicting requirements outlined in the LA28 host agreement, which mandates that all qualified athletes be permitted to compete, potentially contradicting federal regulations that exclude transgender women who have undergone male puberty from female categories.
Board chair Gene Sykes noted that the committee received “significant reassurances” from both the White House and the State Department concerning the protection of visa access for athletes and their support teams. However, specific discussions regarding transgender-related issues did not arise during their recent interactions with the administration.
“A main focus of our agenda was the feedback from the State Department about the executive order,” Sykes revealed. “As a board, we reinforced our dedication to ensuring all athletes can participate in sports while also safeguarding the competitive integrity and safety for women.”
The complexities surrounding transgender athlete participation were highlighted by recent events in USA Fencing, where an athlete withdrew from a match to avoid competing against a transgender woman. In responding to inquiries about the USOPC’s potential involvement, Hirshland reiterated, “We do not have, nor will we have, an eligibility policy.”
In addition to addressing the contentious transgender eligibility debate, the USOPC has actively lobbied for the support of Olympic sports in collegiate settings. During their time in Washington, Sykes and Hirshland urged lawmakers to bolster resources amid concerns that proposed changes to NCAA governance could jeopardize opportunities in less prominent sports.
Despite the political landscape being in turmoil, the USOPC maintains a hopeful perspective regarding LA28 preparations. Sykes reported that the organizing committee has already secured over $1 billion in commercial partnerships, achieving more than halfway to their domestic sponsorship goal, with more announcements anticipated shortly.
Planning for venues is also moving forward with clarity. Sykes confirmed that Dodger Stadium will host baseball during the Olympics, while Trestles Beach in San Clemente has been selected for surfing events. Both locations are emblematic of Southern California’s sports culture and strategically designed to capitalize on existing infrastructure, thereby minimizing costs.
“There is considerable enthusiasm and focus surrounding the LA28 Games,” Sykes commented. “The administration is fully committed to ensuring this will be a successful event.”
Additionally, Hirshland announced the official recognition of USA Football as the new national governing body for the sport, clearing the way for American teams to compete in flag football, which will debut in the 2028 Olympics. “We’re very excited about this,” she remarked, “and we hope to field a strong team.”
The quest to designate a national governing body for surfing is ongoing, with at least two organizations, USA Surfing and US Ski & Snowboard, having submitted applications. Hirshland acknowledged issues related to possible conflicts of interest but assured that the process remains active and is not without precedent.
A notable absence from discussions in Washington was the ongoing tension between the United States and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which has intensified following recent issues surrounding the agency’s management of doping cases involving Chinese athletes. While members of Congress have voiced concerns regarding WADA’s governance, Sykes indicated that this topic did not come up in talks with officials from the State Department or the Trump administration.
“We are actively engaged in discussions and are optimistic about reaching a satisfactory resolution,” Sykes stated.
As the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles draw closer, the USOPC is navigating a complex landscape of competing demands: balancing the requirements of international sports, the political influences of its government, and a rapidly evolving public dialogue on issues of fairness, inclusion, and accessibility. While the groundwork for the Games is being laid, the regulatory framework governing athlete participation remains uncertain.
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www.theguardian.com