Instead, the IOC suggests the gender-neutral term “sportsperson” be used instead.

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The directive to use bias-free language applies for a number of others titles — including “mankind” becoming “humankind” — in a 33-page guide issued for the Paris Games, that start on July 26.

The IOC Portrayal Guidelines booklet also puts “transgender sportspeople” under a “problematic language” heading and bans saying someone is biologically born male or female.

Ex-Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, 61, said: “The IOC never fails to disappoint me with their utter hypocrisy.

“They are trying to curtail journalists from telling the public the truth when males are in races against females with an unfair advantage.

“At the same time they’re boasting of being the first games with gender equality — you couldn’t make this stuff up.”

An IOC spokesman said: “The Olympics are about athletes from many different backgrounds and different beliefs, competing in peaceful competition.”