The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stood by its ruling permitting two boxers, who did not pass testosterone and gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships, to compete in Paris.
Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-ting from Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) faced disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships, as International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev stated that DNA tests had “confirmed they possessed XY chromosomes and were therefore excluded”.
The IBA indicated that the decision was reached “after a thorough review and aims to maintain the fairness and integrity of the competition”.
However, the IBA is not overseeing the Olympic boxing events in Paris. The IOC has expressed its approval for both boxers to compete under the more lenient gender eligibility criteria that were applicable during the Tokyo Games in 2021.
“I’m not in a position to comment on specific individuals,” said IOC spokesman Mark Adams. “That would be inappropriate and unfair. However, I can affirm that all athletes participating in the women’s category adhere to the competition eligibility guidelines. They are identified as women on their passports, and that is officially recognized.”
Khelif is scheduled to compete against Italy’s Angela Carini in the 66kg category on Thursday, while Lin will take on an undisclosed opponent in the 57kg category the following day. Former world champion Barry McGuigan is among many who have voiced their concerns regarding this decision, labeling it “shocking”.
Adams acknowledged that the regulations regarding eligibility for female competitors are “complex”, particularly for those who have undergone male puberty, but emphasized that each sport should have the authority to make its own determinations rather than the IOC making a blanket decision.
“In terms of testosterone and the effects of male puberty, we’ve provided a framework document to all federations,” he stated. “Everyone would prefer a straightforward answer: yes or no. However, the reality is far more complex.
“It is nuanced not just across different sports, but also within specific disciplines. An athlete might possess an advantage in one discipline and not in another based on their experiences during male puberty.”
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Adams concluded that the IOC’s stance is for sports to strike a balance between ensuring fairness in female competitions and promoting inclusivity. “Each federation must develop guidelines that ensure fairness, while simultaneously allowing everyone who wishes to participate,” he explained.
“Striking this balance is challenging. Ultimately, it falls upon the experts within each discipline. They are acutely aware of any advantages certain athletes may have, and if those advantages are considerable, then that is clearly unacceptable. However, such decisions need to be made at that level.”
