A need to intercede? The International Olympic Committee and intersexuality

Abstract

If we look back at the origin of sports, we can see it begun as a purely male-centric activity. Speed, power, athleticism, tenacity, and perseverance were qualities attributable only to men. Over the years, and after a great deal of struggle, participation of women in various sports was acknowledged. The growing involvement of women in sports led to an essential binary sex-specific division, men’s and women’s category. With this background, a pertinent question is where do intersex individuals fit into the international sports system based on these sex categories. In the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) endeavor to protect the spirit of Olympism, the issue of intersex athletes has been dealt with disregard. Its policy related to sex verification tests over the years seems to be a flimsy one based on discrimination and misconceptions regarding the ethic of fair play. The IOC’s indurate stand against intersex athletes just to avoid gender ‘fraud’ seems like a weak defense; especially, since this minority class of the sporting society is in need of sensitization and empowerment.