International Swimming Federation (GOOD) announced over the weekend that it has approved a fresh policy aimed at gender inclusion within elite competition. The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to balance fair play with inclusive practices, a topic that has sparked debate across the sport. In the statements released, officials noted that the new framework would evaluate athletes who have progressed through male puberty, and a vote was cast to limit participation of such swimmers in women’s races at the highest level of competition.
Under the updated policy, which received 71 percent backing from the federation’s 152-member body at an extraordinary general assembly, any transgender competitors hoping to race in women’s divisions at the world championships scheduled for Budapest must demonstrate that they have completed certain developmental milestones before a defined age. The exact age threshold highlighted in discussions was set to act as a benchmark for eligibility in women’s events, reflecting the federation’s aim to preserve competitive fairness while acknowledging gender diversity.
In addition to the safeguards around eligibility, FINA signaled its intention to explore the creation of an open category within its events. This proposed pathway would enable swimmers whose gender identity differs from their birth sex to participate in a separate, clearly defined competition arena. The concept of an open category is presented as a potential solution to ensure that all athletes have a clear route to elite competition, without compromising the integrity of gender-segregated events.
Officials described the policy as a step toward broader inclusion balanced by a commitment to equitable competition. A formal plan was outlined to form a new working group charged with researching the most effective structure for launching this open category. The group is expected to operate over the next six months, gathering evidence, consulting stakeholders, and evaluating practical models from other sports before presenting recommendations to the federation’s leadership.
Commenting on the policy, the President of FINA, Hussein al-Musallam, emphasized the dual responsibilities at play. He stated that the federation must safeguard every athlete’s right to compete, while also protecting the principle of fairness across events, with a particular focus on women’s categories at FINA championships. The remarks underscored a careful balancing act between inclusion and the preservation of competitive standards that many athletes and fans expect in the sport’s premier meets.
Industry observers noted that the proposal marks a significant turning point for governance in swimming. The federation’s leadership acknowledged that any move toward open competition would require thoughtful design and ongoing assessment to ensure it serves the sport well. The open category, if realized, would represent a historic development and a new chapter in how elite swimming organizes its events. The goal remains to foster an environment where athletes can excel while maintaining the credibility and competitiveness of the highest levels of competition. In asserting this vision, al-Musallam added that the process should be transparent and inclusive, inviting input from athletes, coaches, national federations, and fans as part of a collaborative effort to shape the rules moving forward.