Transgender Athlete Shatters Records at Winter Games

Swedish skier Elis Lundholm, a transgender man, has become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics. He was included in the women's freestyle skiing division for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, following the guidelines set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Under the IOC's 2021 "Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations," transgender athletes can participate in the Olympics after approval from their sports federations. This framework aims to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all athletes.

Lundholm made his debut in the 2024 World Cup and has since won four Swedish championship medals. Despite facing criticism, he remains focused on his performance, stating, "I do my thing, and I don't give a damn." Lundholm expressed feeling well-treated by others in his sport.

The Swedish Olympic Committee's sports director has shown support for Lundholm, and measures are in place to combat online hate on his social media accounts during the games. Grindr, a dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, has restricted features within the Olympic Village to enhance safety and privacy for athletes.