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Bob Costas Backs IOC Rule Limiting Women’s Olympic Events to Biological Females

A new eligibility test based on SRY gene screening signals a push for one clear standard across Olympic sports.

Overview

  • The International Olympic Committee, which unveiled the policy Thursday, said women’s-category eligibility will hinge on SRY gene screening that it describes as accurate and noninvasive.
  • Bob Costas endorsed the decision on CNN, saying “common sense is not transphobic” and adding that trans people should be treated with dignity and respect.
  • To explain competitive fairness, Costas used a Caitlin Clark NBAWNBA hypothetical and cited Lia Thomas, saying she went from a low-ranked men’s swimmer to winning in women’s events.
  • The IOC says the rule creates a single benchmark across all Olympic sports after track and field, swimming, and cycling had already set limits tied to male puberty.
  • Right-leaning and sports outlets amplified Costas’ remarks, and coverage noted it is still unknown whether he will have any role in NBC’s 2028 Los Angeles Olympics broadcast.