- Despite the gender debate, boxers Khelif and Lin win medals
Boxers at the center of a heated gender debate secure Olympic medals
The boxers at the center of a heated gender debate have secured Olympic medals. A day after Algerian Imane Khelif, Taiwanese Lin Yu-Ting also advanced to the semifinals of the tournament. Both athletes, whose fights have been accompanied by a highly emotional controversy over their eligibility to compete in the Paris Olympics, have thus secured at least bronze.
Lin and Khelif win Olympic medals – Critics question their gender
Lin (28) defeated Bulgarian Swetlana Stanewa unanimously on points in her quarterfinal in the 57 kg weight class. Stanewa's coach Borislaw Georgiew later expressed his outrage at "the circus being held here." In his opinion, it is "predetermined" that Lin and Khelif will become Olympic champions. In the interview zone, he held up a piece of paper with the inscription: "I am XX! Save women's sport!" Women typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while men usually have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
Scenes were even more emotional after Khelif's advancement to the semifinals on Saturday. After winning unanimously against Hungarian Anna Luca Hamori, the welterweight was cheered on by numerous Algerian fans in the hall. After the verdict was announced, the 25-year-old slammed her hand on the ring floor, saluted, and broke down in tears.
"This is a matter of dignity and honor for every woman," said Khelif on beIN Sports. She felt wronged, "but I have God. Allah Akbar." Afterwards, she was wrapped in an Algerian national flag by attendants and taken to the cabin. Hundreds of media representatives waited in vain for statements from the athlete.
Khelif's opening win sparked discussion – IOC warned of "culture war"
After Khelif's opening win in just 46 seconds by technical knockout against Italian Angela Carini, the eligibility of the Algerian and Lin was questioned by some, including conservative politicians like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Both boxers had been excluded by the IBA, which is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, after unexplained tests. Both had not met the required participation criteria and had "competitive advantages compared to other female participants," according to the IBA.
The IOC called it a "random decision without proper procedure" and allowed Lin and Khelif to participate in Paris. "There was never any doubt that they are women," IOC President Thomas Bach reiterated. The IOC warned of a "culture war" being waged on the backs of the athletes.
Hate and support
Lin and Khelif were attacked online, with Lin herself saying she avoids social media. However, they also received support. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and ILGA World supported the two athletes. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulated Khelif on the online platform X: "They have honored Algeria, Algerian women, and Algerian boxing. We will stand by their side, regardless of the outcome of their results."
Khelif's mother Irene also reacted with pride that her daughter had withstood the immense pressure. "She is brave, despite racist and sexist attacks aimed at breaking her," she said, according to news agency AP on Algerian television.
In the aftermath of her victory, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif expressed her feelings, saying, "This is a matter of dignity and honor for every woman." Despite the controversy surrounding her eligibility, Khelif's mother, Irene, expressed pride in her daughter's resilience, stating, "She is brave, despite racist and sexist attacks aimed at breaking her."
