6 days ago
US Olympic bans transgender: List of all athletes who can't compete in the women's sports events
US Olympic bans transgender: List of all athletes who can't compete in the women's sports events (Image via Getty)
The US Olympic and Para-Olympic Committee has announced that, from August 1, 2025, transgender women who have undergone male puberty will be banned from competing in women's events.
A new law signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025 gives effect to this change. Big sports bodies like USA Swimming, USA Fencing, and USA Track & Field are now making similar changes. The change has created buzz and strong opinions all over the country. Now, attention is placed on those athletes who have been affected.
Transgender athletes who can no longer compete
Some of the transgender athletes who are directly affected or already blocked from competing:
1. CeCe Telfer – Track & Field
A track runner who tried for the 2020 Trials, was already ruled ineligible by USA Track & Field before this change.
2. Chelsea Wolfe – BMX Cycling
A BMX rider who made it to Team USA in 2021, will no longer be able to compete. International cycling already has a similar ban in place.
3. JayCee Cooper – Powerlifting
JayCee Cooper is a transgender powerlifter, lost a legal case about competing in women's sports in Minnesota. With the new rule, she won't be able to take part either.
4. Lia Thomas – Swimming
Lia Thomas was the first openly transgender woman to win an NCAA women's swimming title in 2022.
She had hoped to try for the Olympics one day, but after World Aquatics banned transgender women in elite races, and now with the USOPC rule, she's not allowed to compete for Team USA either.
5. Andraya Yearwood & Terry Miller – High school runners
These two transgender girls from Connecticut got attention for competing in girls' high school track races. Their wins started a national debate. While they were not Olympic athletes, this new rule affects all levels, including school and college.
They would not be allowed on women's teams if they were trying to compete now.
Wider impact on schools and college-level athletes
Many transgender girls in U.S. schools are also being banned from girls' teams especially in states with strict laws. This national-level change adds to that.
Also Read:
United States Olympic And Paralympic Committee Bans Transgender From Women's Events, Citing Donald Trump Order
This rule affects all transgender women who went through male puberty, even if they've taken hormones or transitioned years ago. The change also applies to youth and college sports under the Olympic system.
Some groups are upset. The National Women's Law Center said this new rule is 'unfair' and could hurt the rights and mental health of many young athletes.
Meanwhile, sports organizations across the world are watching closely. Swimming, track, and cycling already have strict rules for trans women. Now the U.S. has taken a big step too.
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