IOC alters transgender guidelines

Transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in the Olympics and other international events without undergoing sex-reassignment surgery according to new guidelines adopted by the IOC.

International Olympic Committee medical officials said they changed the policy to adapt to current scientific, social and legal attitudes.

“I don’t think many federations have rules on defining eligibility of transgender individuals,” IOC medical director Dr. Richard Budgett said.

Under the previous IOC guidelines, athletes who transitioned from male to female or vice versa were required to have reassignment surgery followed by at least two years of hormone therapy in order to be eligible to compete.

Adam Rippon won his first U.S. title in a victory sure to reignite the debate about the value of artistry against athleticism in figure skating.

Lindsey Vonn won a World Cup super-G for her 11th career victory in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, breaking the record of retired Austrian Renate Goetschl.

Vonn took the lead in the overall standings from Lara Gut, who finished fifth, and leads her Swiss rival by 45 points.

Todd Monken is leaving Southern Mississippi to be the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Chelsea won 1-0 at 10-man Arsenal, which took its first home loss since the opening day of the English Premier League season.