26 researchers from 12 countries criticize the IOC
A group of international researchers has questioned the IOC's framework for fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. One of the researchers who has criticized the IOC's recommendations is Kerry McGawley, a professor at Mid Sweden University.
Because many sports organizations allow transwomen (i.e., biologically-born males who identify as women) to compete in female sports categories, the IOC has recently developed a framework with recommendations on fairness, inclusion, and non-discrimination. In a scientific article published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, a large group of researchers have questioned this framework.
"We know that testosterone exposure during puberty results in large physical differences between men and women and we feel that the IOC ignores the undeniable sporting benefits that this brings for men. By allowing transwomen to compete in female sports categories, we feel that fairness, safety and non-discrimination for biological women are being compromised," says Kerry McGawley, professor of sports science at Mid Sweden University.
This critique of the IOC's recommendations was initiated and led by two senior sports scientists, Associate Professor Tommy Lundberg (Karolinska Institutet) and Professor Ross Tucker (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa) and a developmental biologist, Dr Emma Hilton (University of Manchester, UK). A further 23 senior researchers co-authored the article, and in total, the 26 authors represent 25 different universities from 12 different countries.
The researchers now hope that local, national and international sports organizations will use their article as a key document to support decision-making in relation to female, male and/or open sports categories.
Kerry McGawley, Professor of Sport Science at Mid Sweden University. Photo: Pelle Fredriksson.
"Because of the sensitivity of the topic and given the likelihood of continued debate, it was important to form a large group with scientific credibility to create a strong case. We believe that the IOC's recommendations fail to achieve fairness and non-discrimination for girls and women in sport, and through our article we refute several of the IOC's recommendations," says Kerry McGawley.
How do you want the IOC to use your input?
"We make several constructive suggestions in our article. First, we urge the IOC to reconsider its framework and recommendations to reflect scientific evidence. Specifically, the eligibility criteria for female competition must account for how the male body develops. Testosterone limits are not enough. We also recommend implementing a system to enable female athletes, the key stakeholders in this debate, to be heard, recognized and valued in the decision-making processes", concludes Kerry McGawley.
Here you can read the researchers' scientific article.
Contact person:
Kerry McGawley, professor of sports science at Mid Sweden University, kerry.mcgawley@miun.se
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