Sue Bird Calls IOC Policy Fearmongering
Sue Bird, Basketball Hall of Famer and former WNBA star, dismissed the International Olympic Committee's new policy limiting female competition categories to biological females as fearmongering. The ex-Seattle Storm guard expressed agreement with American runner Nikki Hiltz, a transgender nonbinary athlete who stated the IOC was not addressing an existing problem. Bird shared these views on the "A Touch More" podcast alongside retired U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe.
The IOC policy requires a one-time SRY gene screening, conducted via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample, to determine biological female eligibility for Olympic and other events. The organization described the measure as evidence-based and expert-informed. Earlier in the podcast, Rapinoe criticized the policy and rejected claims of its scientific basis.
Bird elaborated that the policy presents a non-issue as a major threat to women's sports. She referenced a political angle raised by Rapinoe involving the Trump administration and vote-seeking. Bird also warned that such measures risk broader policing of women's bodies and expressed support for the transgender community.
A World Athletics panel in Tokyo last September, led by Dr. Stéphane Bermon of its Health and Science Department, highlighted 50 to 60 athletes with male biological advantages reaching female category finals at global and continental championships since 2000. Bermon cited an over-representation of athletes with differences of sex development among finalists.
