Plan to allow transsexuals into Olympic Games under
debate
ATHENS- A decision to allow transsexuals to take part in the Olympic Games was put off as
the IOC executive board failed to reach consensus. The decision-making body of the
International Olympic Committee had discussed the emotive subject at a meeting in the
Greek capital but had failed to make much progress.
"The discussion was a difficult discussion for (IOC medical director) Patrick
Schamasch and myself who tried to explain a verydifficult medical problem," said IOC
president Jacques Rogge. The rule would cover both male-to-female and female-to-male
cases.
Some contend that transsexual athletes have a physical advantage against other women,
because men are believed to 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.
"Even for me it is complicated," Rogge said, "It is much more complicated
for someone with no medical training."
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