Swimming’s world governing body has banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s races.

FINA voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes, with just over 70 per cent of delegates voting in favour of the decision.

Male-to-female transgender athletes who transitioned before they were 12 will still be eligible to compete in the women’s category.

The new policy comes after a scientific panel report which found transgender women retained a significant advantage over cisgender female swimmers even when they reduced their testosterone levels using medication.

FINA has promised to establish an “open” category for trans women in some events.

Image: Mike Comer/NCAA Photos via Getty Images