The International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach defended the decision to allow boxers Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif to compete in the women’s division despite concerns over their gender identity. Questions arose about their eligibility after they were disqualified from competing against women at a global event last year due to failing gender eligibility tests. However, the IOC cleared them to participate in the Paris Games. Bach emphasized that both boxers have always identified as women and competed in women’s divisions without any indication of being transgender or intersex.
Imane Khelif, who made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, faced criticism after Italian boxer Angela Carini quit their match after only 46 seconds, leading to an automatic win for Khelif. Carini broke down in tears and refused to shake Khelif’s hand after the match. Khelif’s father, Amar Khelif, defended his daughter against the attacks, calling them immoral and unfair. He emphasized that she has always competed as a female and has made her country proud with her sporting achievements.
At a boxing event last year, Khelif and Yu-ting failed to meet gender eligibility tests at the Women’s World Boxing Championships, leading to disqualification. The decision was made after sporting officials claimed they had male chromosomes, though the tests they allegedly failed were unspecified. Khelif has referred to her disqualification as a conspiracy and maintains that she is a female athlete. Despite the controversy surrounding their participation, both boxers have continued to compete and strive for success in the sport.
Critics, including author J.K. Rowling, have condemned the IOC’s decision to allow Khelif and Yu-ting to compete in the women’s division, arguing that it is unfair to female athletes. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating that men should be kept out of women’s sports. However, others have come to Khelif’s defense, celebrating her win and condemning the attacks on her gender identity. Algerian officials, athletes, and organizations have voiced their support for Khelif and denounced the baseless criticism targeting her.
The National Black Justice Collective and nonbinary Olympic American runner Nikki Hiltz have spoken out against the transphobic comments directed at Khelif and Yu-ting. They emphasize the importance of allowing all athletes to compete based on their talent and hard work, regardless of their gender identity. Khelif’s upcoming match against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori and Yu-ting’s match against Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva continue to be a focus of attention amid the ongoing debate about gender and eligibility in sports. The controversy surrounding these athletes underscores the broader conversation around inclusivity and fairness in athletic competition.
