The International Olympic Committee has released a new policy on the protection of the female (women's) category in Olympic sport, which calls for gene screening for all female athletes. We talk about what this entails, what it could mean for sports, and whether or not we, as two women, feel protected.

If you want to read the policy for yourself, you can find it here: https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/International-Olympic-Committee/EB/policy/policy-on-the-protection-of-the-female-category-english.pdf

The UN's response is here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/04/un-expert-welcomes-international-olympic-committee-policy-protecting-female

Here's the Time article we referenced: https://time.com/article/2026/04/03/how-the-olympic-ban-on-transgender-women-could-affect-all-women-athletes/

And geneticist Andrew Sinclair's thoughts on SRY gene screening: https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/insights-and-opinions/world-athletics-sry-gene-conversation

Also, LA 2028 has released its "look of the Games," which is called "LA in Full Bloom." Inspired by the California Superbloom phenomenon, the look features colorful graphics. Typography is inspired by signage found throughout the city of LA. Overall, the look caused us to have different--and surprising--reactions. Listen on to find out more!

Ticket sales have also started for the LA28 Olympics. Aren't those two years away? Yes, but there's no time like the present to create some hype (and FOMO). We've got word on how the first ticket drop is going, and what you can do if you haven't gotten tickets yet (spoiler alert: time is on your side).

USA Fencing is working on an exhibit for LA28 and is looking for fencing-related movie/TV artifacts. If you have an item of interest, let them know: https://airtable.com/appAn0O4fg39xtN9Y/pagB3jzyIt9DbFzD1/form

Plus, we have a new Olympic and Paralympic travel segment, which features exhibits, events and more. On this episode, we feature Georgia Tech's new exhibit about its legacy with Atlanta 1996. Find out more about that here: https://www.library.gatech.edu/news/now-open-centennial-summer-georgia-techs-olympic-legacy

And USA Gymnastics announced the location for its 2028 Olympic trials, which will be in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more here: https://usagym.org/louisville-to-host-2028-u-s-olympic-team-trials-gymnastics-become-gymnastics-city-usa-2028/

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT.

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