The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed regret over the backlash faced by two female boxers competing at the Paris Olympics amidst a contentious gender dispute. The controversy arose after the IOC allowed Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting to participate, despite a prior disqualification under International Boxing Association (IBA) eligibility rules.
Imane Khelif secured a rapid victory in her round of 16 welterweight match against Italian Angela Carini, who withdrew after a swift barrage of punches. Meanwhile, Lin Yu-ting is set to compete on Friday. Both athletes were previously disqualified at the 2023 World Championships for not meeting the IBA’s eligibility criteria, which restrict participation in women’s events to athletes without male XY chromosomes.
The IOC’s decision to permit their participation has sparked criticism from prominent figures, including British author J.K. Rowling and billionaire Elon Musk. The controversy stems from the IBA’s 2023 ruling, which the IOC described as “arbitrary” and lacking due process. The IOC stripped the IBA of its recognition last year due to governance and financial issues, assuming control of the boxing competition for the Paris Olympics.
In a statement, the IOC emphasized that Khelif and Lin were unfairly treated, noting that their disqualification was executed without proper procedure. “These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,” the statement read. The IOC highlighted that this decision was made solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO, without due process, towards the end of the 2023 World Championships.
The controversy revolves around the broader debate on eligibility criteria for athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), a rare group of conditions affecting genes, hormones, and reproductive organs. While some sports set testosterone level limits for female competitors, others exclude athletes who have undergone male puberty. The IOC maintained that the eligibility rules for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics are still in effect and cannot be altered during an ongoing competition.
“The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision,” the IOC stated, lamenting the abuse directed at Khelif and Lin. The committee reaffirmed its stance against discrimination, asserting, “Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.”
As the controversy continues, the IOC’s commitment to fairness and inclusion in sports remains at the forefront, underscoring the need for careful consideration and compassion in addressing complex eligibility issues.