Sebastian Coe Proposes Ban on Trans Athletes

Sebastian Coe, a former Olympic gold medalist and current president of World Athletics, has released a manifesto outlining his vision for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency, emphasizing the need to protect female athletes. Coe proposes a complete ban on transgender women competing in women's events, a significant departure from the current policies of IOC president Thomas Bach, who supports a more inclusive approach. He argues that the lack of clarity on this issue has led to controversies, such as the recent disputes at the Paris Olympics involving athletes like Imane Khelif. Coe's manifesto also calls for science-based policies and a restructuring of the IOC to empower its members and involve athletes in decision-making processes. Critics warn that such measures could alienate the transgender community, raising concerns about inclusivity in sports. The election for the IOC presidency will take place in March 2025, with Coe among seven candidates vying for the position.