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France calls IOC gender-testing policy a 'step backwards'; some countries welcome it

France criticized the International Olympic Committee's new gender-testing rule for women's events as a "step backwards," while other countries welcomed the change.

Published Mar 27, 2026, 10:22 AM EDT | WFMZZ

France on Friday described the International Olympic Committee's new policy on gender testing to determine eligibility to compete in women's events as a "step backwards." Other countries, however, welcomed the IOC's decision. The policy addresses how eligibility for female athletes will be determined at Olympic events.