Olympics makes a ‘cross over’ decision

“Surgical anatomical changes have been completed, including external genitalia changes and gonadectomy. Legal recognition of their assigned sex has been conferred by the appropriate official authorities.

“Hormonal therapy appropriate for the assigned sex has been administered in a verifiable manner and for a sufficient length of time to minimise gender-related advantages in sport competition.”

Hormone treatment must have ceased at least two years before competition, IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said.

“This has been something of an open door,” added IOC medical director Patrick Schamasch. “We needed some rules and regulations in place.” Some people contend that transsexual athletes have a physical advantage against other women. Men have higher levels of testosterone and greater muscle-to-fat ratio and heart and lung capacity. However, doctors say, testosterone levels and muscle mass drop after hormone therapy and sex-change surgery. (Reuters)