The Winter Olympics has seen its first transgender athlete, Elin Lundholm, a 23-year-old Swedish freestyle skier, compete in the women's mogul qualification round, where she finished in 25th place. Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male, expressed that he had not deeply contemplated being the first transgender athlete in the Winter Games, emphasizing that he skied under the same conditions as other competitors. This event has drawn attention to the evolving discussions surrounding gender identity in sports, particularly as the IOC prepares new regulations to address gender policies.

The ongoing debate about gender in sports has intensified since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics where New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard transitioned and competed under IOC guidelines. Hubbard's participation sparked discussions on whether hormone level regulations alone can ensure fairness in competition. Lundholm's participation echoes these concerns, as he has not undergone hormone treatments or surgical transition, and entered the men's category due to the federation's registration guidelines. This situation highlights the need for clarity in gender classifications and the fairness of competition in light of natural physical differences.

In addition to Lundholm's case, the track and field sport has seen significant controversies as well, exemplified by South African runner Caster Semenya, who possesses a naturally high testosterone level without undergoing hormone therapy, leading to restrictions on her participation based on testosterone guidelines. Similarly, swimmer Lia Thomas, who transitioned from male to female and competed in women’s events post-hormone treatment, has also raised questions about the implications of physical conditions established during male puberty on women's competitions. These examples illustrate the complexities that sports organizations face as they navigate progressive policies while maintaining competitive equity.