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USOPC Declares No Policy on Transgender Athlete Eligibility for 2028 LA Olympics Amid Political Scrutiny
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has stated it will not institute any formal policy regarding transgender athlete eligibility for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This decision arrives amidst growing political pressure from the administration and increased examination concerning inclusion and access within women’s sports.
USOPC Stance on Athlete Eligibility
No Role in Defining Eligibility Criteria
Speaking on Thursday following the committee’s initial board meeting of 2025, Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland announced that the USOPC has no intentions to define eligibility criteria for transgender athletes. This declaration comes even as US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14201, officially titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” threatens to disrupt established international participation protocols.
“It would not be appropriate,” Hirshland stated. “It is not within our purview to assume such a position.”
Responsibility of International Federations and NGBs
Hirshland clarified that the responsibility for determining athlete eligibility rests with international federations for global competitions and national governing bodies (NGBs) for domestic events. This distinction, a long-standing principle upheld by the USOPC, has become increasingly politically sensitive. The LA28 host contract mandates that the United States ensure access for all qualified athletes, an obligation that could potentially conflict with the new federal order. This order restricts transgender women who have undergone male puberty from competing in women’s sports categories.
Reassurances and Concerns
Visa Access Assurances
Board Chair Gene Sykes indicated that the committee had received “significant reassurances” from the White House and State Department affirming that visa access for Olympic athletes and their entourages would be safeguarded. However, he confirmed that specific concerns related to transgender athletes were not addressed during recent discussions with the administration.
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Commitment to Athlete Opportunity and Fair Competition
“One of the primary topics on our agenda was the feedback we received from the State Department regarding the president’s executive order,” Sykes explained. “As a board, we reaffirmed our dedication to protecting opportunities for athletes to participate in sport and to ensuring women have a fair and safe competitive environment.”
Recent Controversy and USOPC Position
USA Fencing Incident
The transgender eligibility issue was recently highlighted by a controversy in USA Fencing, where an athlete withdrew from competition rather than face a transgender woman in a domestic tournament. Asked if the USOPC would intervene, Hirshland reiterated, “We do not have, nor will we have, an eligibility policy.”
Lobbying Efforts and LA28 Preparations
Support for Olympic Sports on College Campuses
Despite not setting policy on transgender athletes, the USOPC has been actively lobbying on other fronts. Sykes and Hirshland engaged with lawmakers in Washington to advocate for support of Olympic sports within college settings. This lobbying is in response to concerns that changes to NCAA governance might reduce opportunities in non-revenue generating sports.
Optimistic Outlook on LA28
Despite the political uncertainty surrounding transgender athlete eligibility, the committee presented an optimistic outlook regarding preparations for LA28. Sykes stated the organizing committee has secured over $1 billion in commercial agreements, surpassing the halfway mark of its domestic sponsorship target. Further announcements are anticipated in the coming months.
Venue Planning Progress
Venue planning for the 2028 Olympics is also advancing. Sykes confirmed the local organizing committee’s announcement that Dodger Stadium will host Olympic baseball. Trestles Beach in San Clemente will be the venue for surfing. These venues, both iconic locations within southern California’s sporting landscape, are intended to minimize costs by utilizing existing infrastructure.
“There is great excitement and focus on the LA28 Games,” Sykes commented. “From the highest levels of the administration, there is a desire for this to be an incredibly successful experience.”
USA Football Certified as National Governing Body
Flag Football Debut in 2028
Hirshland also verified the official certification of USA Football as the sport’s new national governing body. This development positions the United States to field teams in flag football, set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. “We’re pretty excited,” she stated. “We’d like to field an awfully strong team.”
NGB for Surfing Under Consideration
The process of determining an NGB for surfing is still ongoing, with at least two organizations, USA Surfing and US Ski & Snowboard, having applied. Hirshland acknowledged potential conflicts of interest concerns but affirmed the process is underway and not unprecedented.
Absence of Wada Discussions
USOPC and World Anti-Doping Agency Standoff
Notably absent from the committee’s Washington discussions was the ongoing dispute between the United States and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). This tension has escalated following revelations regarding Wada’s handling of Chinese swimmer doping cases.
While members of Congress have voiced concerns about Wada’s governance, Sykes indicated the issue was not raised in meetings with the State Department or Trump administration officials.
“We’re intensely involved in discussions,” he said, “and hopeful we can find a good resolution.”
USOPC Navigates Competing Pressures
Balancing International Sport, Politics, and Public Discourse
With just over three years until LA hosts the Summer Games for a third time, the USOPC is navigating competing pressures. These pressures include the demands of international sport, the political agenda of the host government, and evolving public conversations around fairness, inclusion, and access. While the preparations for 2028 are underway, the definitive rules and regulations are still potentially subject to change.