A groundbreaking United Nations report has sent shockwaves through the sports world, revealing that over 600 female athletes have collectively lost nearly 900 medals to biologically male competitors across more than 400 events. The 24-page report, titled “Violence against women and girls in sports,” was authored by UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem and argues that the inclusion of male-bodied athletes in women’s sports categories compromises both fairness and safety for female athletes.
Alsalem’s report points out that biological males retain physical advantages that can’t be neutralized through testosterone suppression alone. “Even with testosterone reduction, male athletes retain attributes like strength and muscle density, which continue to tilt competition in their favor,” the report states, arguing that current standards are “arbitrary” and not rooted in science.
To combat this disparity, Alsalem suggests mandatory “non-invasive, confidential sex screenings” for athletes competing in female categories, citing cases like that of female boxers in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where “serious contestation” over athletes’ sex was disregarded by officials.
The report also highlights the backlash faced by female athletes who advocate for fair play, noting that they are often labeled as bigots and face team suspensions, defamation, or biased disciplinary actions. “These responses have violated the fundamental rights of female athletes to freedom of belief and expression,” Alsalem concluded.
This UN report calls attention to a growing debate as female athletes and supporters push back, advocating for competitive fairness and safety in women’s sports worldwide.
