The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has criticized the gender testing related to two boxers in the women’s division – Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting.
In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif and Lin after they tested positive for “XY chromosomes,” asserting that both athletes possess an unfair advantage in the women’s division.
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Imane Khelif from Algeria competes against Anna Hamori from Hungary. (Sina Schuldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated that Khelif and Lin were “carted off and tested” during the 2023 boxing world championships due to “suspicions against them.”
“We have various reasons why we cannot engage with this issue,” Adams explained. “It involves confidentiality, medical concerns, a lack of basis for the initial test, and sharing this data goes against international regulations.”
“The entire process is flawed, from the conception of the test to how the results were communicated to us, and how the tests were made public is so erroneous that engagement is unfeasible.”
The IBA stood by its decision to disqualify Khelif and Lin in a statement released on Thursday.
Imane Khelif celebrates victory over Anna Hamori at the Summer Olympics, August 3, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
FORMER OLYMPIAN SAYS BOXERS AT THE CENTER OF GENDER ELIGIBILITY CONTROVERSY ‘DO NOT DESERVE THIS MISTREATMENT’
“We do not understand why any organization would jeopardize a boxer’s safety with what could potentially lead to severe injury during ‘Field of Play’ (FOP),” the IBA stated. “The primary job of the referee is to ensure the athlete’s safety at all times. How can this be reasonably managed when a boxer does not comply with the eligibility standards to compete?
“The IBA will never endorse any mixed-gender boxing matches as we prioritize the safety and rights of our athletes. We must protect our female competitors and uphold their right to compete against evenly matched opponents; their dreams and aspirations must not be compromised by organizations unwilling to uphold the right standards during challenging situations.”
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting celebrates after defeating Bulgaria’s Svetlana Staneva at the Summer Olympics, August 4, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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Khelif and Lin have both advanced to the next round of competition and are ensured medals at the Olympics.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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