Sports
5 Athletes That Face Being Banned Due to New Transgender and DSD Rules
The International Olympic Committee is “continuing its discussions” over a blanket ban which would prevent any transgender women from competing in female categories across all sports.
As the most prestigious event in the sporting world, the Olympics is often the pinnacle of an athlete’s career, but with an increasing number of transgender participants competing in female categories, the IOC are looking to protect women’s sport by introducing a ban that would prevent those who have transitioned from participating in such categories; a ban that is looking likely to be imposed ahead of the 2028 LA Olympic Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry told BBC Sport in March that the organisation must “play a leading role” in addressing the sensitive matter, adding that IOC members had shown “overwhelming support” for the protection of women’s sport.
One such member could be the IOC’s medical and scientific director, Dr Jane Thornton, whose science-based review highlighted how those who were born biologically male still experience physiological advantages, even if they have decreased testosterone levels.
A ban would likely see all transgender athletes prevented from competing in female categories. However, the stance on those who suffer from differences in sex development (DSD) is less clear. DSD is a term used to describe a group of rare conditions in which a person’s hormones, genes and/or reproductive organs, can be a mix of male and female, meaning that a blanket ban may not be suitable and cases might have to be dealt with individually.
However, not all Olympic officials have shown support for the ban. The President of the Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, told BBC Sport that while protecting women’s sport is “the number one priority”, he acknowledged that the increasing number of transgender athletes “would like to compete at the highest possible level” and that he doesn’t “believe in blanket solutions for such a complicated thing, especially because sports are so different in terms of what they demand from the athletes.”
So who could be impacted if such a ban was to be put in place?
Imane Khelif
One athlete, whose participation in the 2024 Games sparked controversy, is Imane Khelif. The Algerian won gold in Paris for the women’s 66kg boxing event, despite claims that she had allegedly failed a gender eligibility test the previous year. The test came ahead of Khelif’s gold medal bout at the World Championships in New Delhi, but she was disqualified from the event, having failed to meet the IBA’s eligibility criteria.
World Boxing have since introduced mandatory sex screening for all fighters, with Khelif yet to undergo such tests as she hasn’t fought since they were put in place. However, she has turned to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in the hopes that she will be allowed to compete without participating in the screening.
Laurel Hubbard
Another controversial Olympian is Laurel Hubbard, the first openly trans woman to compete in a solo event at the Olympics. Hubbard, who was born male, transitioned at the age of 35 in 2012, before winning two World Championship silver medals in 2017. However, at the Tokyo Games, she was the only woman who failed to complete a single lift, having attempted 120kg once and 125kg twice. The New Zealander has since retired from the sport, meaning, as things stand, she will not participate in LA, irrespective of any bans.
Lia Thomas
Female swimmers have also voiced their concerns over competing against Lia Thomas. After becoming the first openly trans woman to win a college swimming title in 2022, Thomas’ opponents had raised objections with regard to sharing a changing room with her, as well as the morality of competing against someone who was born biologically male. However, the American never made it to the Paris Olympics after a rule change by World Aquatics.
The rules state that transgender athletes must have transitioned before the age of 12 in order to be allowed to compete, which left Thomas excluded as she transitioned during her time at university. So, similarly to Hubbard, it is highly unlikely that she will be able to compete in front of her home crowd, even if the IOC’s ban is not in place by 2028.
Chelsea Wolfe
Chelsea Wolfe knows all too well about the heartbreak of being excluded from her beloved sport. Having been picked as an alternate for Team USA in BMX ahead of the 2024 Games, it seemed as though her seat on the plane was secured. However, a change of rules by cycling’s governing body, UCI, meant that those who had transitioned after undergoing male pubity, were prohibited from competing in women’s events.
But, while Wolfe would’ve been hoping that a change in rules would happen before LA, it seems as though she has already ruined any chances of competing in the Games. The rider’s Instagram story was plastered with posts celebrating the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was shot at an event in Utah.
Wolfe’s sickening stance led Team USA to publish a statement, stating that Wolfe had not been a member of USA Cycling since 2023 and that the views of current and former athletes did not reflect those of USA Cycling.
Emily Bridges
Another cyclist whose hopes were dashed by the UCI’s rule change was Team GB’s Emily Bridges. Similarly to Wolfe, Bridges was expecting to be on the plane to Tokyo, only to be prevented from competing by the UCI.
She had been given the option to compete in the men/open category, which would see her compete against both men and other transgender athletes, but said that part of her life “is gone now” and that competing is “not something I really want to do anymore.”
The basketball world was left in a state of shock on Tuesday, as just hours before the 2026 NBA free agency market opened, news broke that LeBron James would be ending his eight-year stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN reporter Shams Charania was the one to break the news that the 41-year-old star would be returning for a 24th season in the league, but not in the iconic purple and gold stripes.
James had to first decide whether he wanted to continue his career, before settling on the major decision to leave the Lakers. In his eight seasons with the franchise, James helped deliver an NBA championship in 2020, as he was crowned NBA Finals MVP after a 4–2 series win over the Miami Heat.
There had been rumours prior to the start of this year’s free agency window that James would potentially be moving on from the Lakers. Now that this is a reality, the NBA icon and future Hall of Famer is set to engage with interested teams around the league alongside his agent, Rich Paul, and ensure he picks the right move for the final stages of his glittering professional career.
While no team is thought to be a current frontrunner for James’ signature, recent talk has suggested that the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP could make a blockbuster move to the Golden State Warriors. This potential switch would see him link up with fellow NBA superstar Steph Curry.
The rumours of a move to the Bay Area intensified a day prior to yesterday’s big breaking news, as it was confirmed that Draymond Green would be declining his player option with the Warriors, in turn saving the franchise $27.7m.
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Green’s decision means it is now plausible for the Warriors to go after both James, and his former Lakers teammate that he won the 2020 championship alongside, Anthony Davis, who is currently with the Dallas Mavericks.
Why LeBron James is Leaving Los Angeles Lakers
Some may be surprised that James has taken the decision to move on from the Lakers considering that Los Angeles is among the biggest sports markets in the United States, and the 41-year-old would want stability for himself and his family at this late stage in his career.
According to Charania, the player’s decision is based on searching for satisfaction at this stage in his career and that is not believed to be possible at his home of the last eight seasons. Also, money is not going to be a factor in the decision he eventually makes.
“I’m told this is a happiness-led decision for LeBron James,” Charania stated in an appearance on SportsCenter on Tuesday. “He feels like he needs to find his happiness elsewhere.”
Additionally, Charania mentioned the Lakers’ decision to build their team around young star Austin Reaves and superstar Luka Doncic for the future left James knowing he was better off elsewhere from next season.
With James searching for happiness at this stage in his career, a move to play in Golden State may make sense. Playing for a franchise that has been successful in modern times and alongside the greatest shooter to ever play basketball in Curry, would give James a chance to enjoy the final moments of his career.
If a switch to the Warriors is not on the cards, James could be tempted by a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as a move back to the franchise that helped him launch his NBA career way back in 2003 would bring his career full circle.
Despite not being as dominant as he once was, James still proved he has much to offer on the court as he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the 2025/26 regular season, so plenty of teams could do with his talents next season.
The United States heads into the World Cup Round of 32 having qualified top of Group D. Christian Pulisic and co won their first two games before registering a shock defeat to bottom-placed Turkey in their final group game.
USMNT will look to advance to the Last 16 of the World Cup with a win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Dragons drew with another co-host, Canada, in their tournament opener. They will be hoping to go one better in their second encounter with a co-host on July 1st in California.
But what threat do Bosnia-Herzegovina pose to Mauricio Pochettino’s side?
Who are Bosnia-Herzegovina?
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Country: |
Bosnia-Herzegovina |
|---|---|
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Continent: |
Europe |
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Population: |
3.4 million |
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Capital: |
Sarajevo |
Bosnia-Herzegovina is located in south-east Europe, bordering Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The country was previously a part of Yugoslavia until its breakup in 1992, gaining independence in the process.
Minor tension around the fixture has already been generated following the viral on-air comments made by an American journalist. ABC7 reporter Abigail Velez’s attempt at trash-talk backfired massively, resulting in widespread criticism and an eventual apology from Velez.
Bosnia-Herzegovina Record at World Cup 2026
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Bosnia-Herzegovina 2026 World Cup Record |
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Date |
Result |
Bosnia-Herzegovina Scorer(s) |
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12/6/2026 |
Canada 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina |
Jovo Lukic |
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18/6/2026 |
Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina |
Ermin Mahmic |
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24/6/2026 |
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar |
Kerim Alajbegovic, Own Goal, Ermin Mahmic |
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Who are the Best Bosnia-Herzegovina Players?
Even at 40, Edin Dzeko continues to offer a major threat up front. The imposing striker was a part of Manchester City’s first Premier League-winning squad under Roberto Mancini in 2012, and has since added major triumphs at Inter Milan and Wolfsburg. Dzeko scored five times in World Cup qualifiers to help Bosnia-Herzegovina make the final 48 teams in North America.
Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac sits at the heart of the Bosnian defence. Now playing for Serie A’s Atalanta, he was integral to their Europa League triumph in 2024.
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Attacking midfielder Ermin Mahmic might end the tournament as one of the World Cup’s young standouts. The 21-year-old’s impressive campaign for Czech side Slovan Liberec has carried over into the World Cup, scoring twice in the group stage.
There’s also the connection between the two nations to consider, symbolised by PSV Eindhoven’s Esmir Bajraktarevic. The winger debuted for the United States as a teenager in 2024 before switching allegiance to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The former New England Revolution star now plays alongside United States internationals Sergino Dest and Ricardo Pepi in the Netherlands. Bajraktarevic also scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Italy in the qualifying playoffs, sending his country to the World Cup.
Bosnia-Herzegovina Manager and Style of Play
- Manager: Sergej Barbarez
- Tactics/Style of Play: 4-4-2 (Classic)
A joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga during the 2000-01 campaign for Hamburg, Bosnia-Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez has injected an attacking approach into his side.
Adopting a classic 4-4-2 in each group game, Barbarez has utilised two defensive midfielders to provide balance. His team’s record at the World Cup suggests mixed results tactically. Defensively, they were strong against Canada and Qatar, but their collapse against Switzerland will be a source of encouragement for the United States.
However, as the joint tallest team at the World Cup, Barbarez’s side have taken full advantage of their towering presence. Bosnia-Herzegovina lead the way with three goals from set pieces and this could prove difficult for the United States to handle.
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Serena Williams could find herself on the end of a hefty fine following her exit from Wimbledon on Tuesday.
Williams received a wildcard invitation from the All England Club to participate in this year’s tournament, which marked her first outing in a professional tournament since the 2022 US Open.
The legendary star was handed a favourable first-round draw, facing off against world number 87, Maya Joint, who came into the match with just one win in her last 14 outings.
Williams was unable to capitalise on the Australian’s poor form going into the match, however, and fell to a 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 defeat to Joint, who was making just her second appearance at the prestigious event.
Serena Williams Dumped Out of Wimbledon in First Round
In the first set, it was Joint whose delightful hitting put her ahead against a slightly rusty Williams. In the second, Joint broke serve straightaway, but the seven-time champion came back and used all her experience and wit to break back and claim the tiebreak to level up the match.
In the decisive set, both players started strongly, but a tiring Williams was unable to keep up with the much younger Joint. The American would then fall to a 6-3 defeat in the final set to hand the victory to last year’s Eastbourne Open champion.
In a surprising decision, Williams opted not to face the media for a post-match press conference, a decision that could end up costing her $50,000.
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An official statement from Wimbledon said: “Unfortunately, Serena Williams will not be able to undertake media this evening.”
Instead, she provided a brief statement regarding her return to the big stage, saying: “It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here.
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“The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”
Williams could be punished for not attending the press conference, however, as the Grand Slam Rulebook requires players to attend post-match media ‘unless unable to appear on reasonable grounds (for instance illness or injury)’
“If a player is unable to appear, the appropriate level of direct communication is requested. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $50,000,” the rule goes on to say.
It remains to be seen whether Wimbledon will take any action with regard to Williams’ decision, but it is expected that we will hear from her before she teams with her sister, Venus, in their doubles later this week.
For Maya Joint, off the back of the biggest victory of her short career so far, she will take on 29th seed Alexandra Eala in the second round.
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