New Olympics media guidelines say that referring to trans athletes as ‘biological males' is 'harmful'

Fox Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden explains why the USWNT should not have the mindset that the Paris Olympics will be a developmental tournament.

According to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) updated "Portrayal Guidelines," using the terms "biological male" or "biological female" in reference to trans athletes is "problematic."

The IOC updated its guidelines this week for how Olympic-affiliated media and outside outlets should appropriately cover athletes in regard to their diverse identities. This third edition also featured a list of "problematic" terms that should be avoided when covering transgender people competing in the Olympics.

"A person’s sex category is not assigned based on genetics alone and aspects of a person’s biology can be altered when they pursue gender-affirming medical care," the IOC guide stated in its section listing "biologically male," and "biologically female" as "problematic language."

US SURFERS GRIFFIN COLAPINTO, JOHN JOHN FLORENCE FEELING PATRIOTIC BEFORE OLYMPICS: ‘BEING A PROUD AMERICAN’

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee released a language guide urging media not to refer to trans athletes as either "biological males" or "females." (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The language guide was published on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris this year. A press release published along with the document described its purpose, saying it seeks to "raise awareness about the differences in how sportswomen and women’s sport are portrayed in comparison to their male counterparts."

"The guidelines provide practical checklists and advice to help ensure gender-equal and fair representation of all athletes across all forms of media and