AUSTIN, Texas — The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has updated its athlete safety policy to align with Executive Order 14201, signed by President Donald Trump back in February.
The order, also known as “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” effectively bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
The recently updated policy does not explicitly reference transgender athletes. However, it states that the organization will adhere to the expectations laid out in the executive order.
This development comes amid heightened national scrutiny over transgender participation in women’s sports. Just one week prior, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against U.S. Masters Swimming, alleging the organization engaged in deceptive practices by permitting transgender athletes to compete in female categories during the 2025 Spring Nationals in San Antonio.
Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, a transgender athlete and co-founder of Austin Rise FC, expressed concern about the direction of current policy.
“Executive orders like this just make it– you’re even more and more isolated and even less accepted, just about really being who you are and living your life,” Cyrtmus-Davaul said.
Cyrtmus-Davaul argued that decisions affecting transgender athletes are often based on personal preferences and not backed by true medical data.
“Although yes, I was biologically born a male, hormone replacement therapy truly does change the biology of my body,” Cyrtmus-Davaul said. “It changes my muscle composition, my fat composition, my speed.”
Despite the setbacks, she urges athletes not to abandon their aspirations.
“At the end of the day, policies, they come and they go,” Cyrtmus-Davaul said. “I don’t want anyone to be giving up on their dreams or their athletic abilities. Just be the best you.”