- IOC warns of culture war in debate over Olympic female boxers
In the heated debate surrounding the admission of two previously disqualified boxers by the world governing body for the women's Olympic competitions, the IOC has warned against escalation. "We must not turn this into a culture war, but rather think of the people affected by misinformation," said IOC spokesperson Mark Adams. The discussion surrounding the gender of Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan is "a minefield," and the athletes could suffer psychological harm.
Khelif's first fight in Paris on Thursday caused a stir. The 25-year-old was not allowed to compete in the world championship final last year because the IBA, which is no longer recognized by the IOC, found elevated levels of the male sexual hormone testosterone in her. However, the IOC allowed both Khelif and Yu-Ting to participate in the Summer Games. "She was born a woman, lives as a woman, boxes as a woman, and is a woman according to her passport," Adams explained the decision.
Khelif won her opening match against the Italian Angela Carini by technical knockout in just 46 seconds. Afterwards, a fierce debate erupted about Khelif's participation. "Scientifically speaking, this is not a fight between a man and a woman," Adams emphasized.
IOC: Gender in passport is decisive for participation
There is no simple explanation for this issue, neither scientifically nor politically is there a consensus in the gender debate. "If a consensus is reached, we would be the first to act on it," said the IOC spokesperson.
The gender indicated in the passport is decisive for many sports in determining eligibility for competitions. In boxing, this rule has been applied at the Olympics since 2016 in Rio and 2021 in Tokyo, as well as in Paris.
Khelif's victorious performance in Paris during the Summer Games has brought renewed attention to her case. Regardless of the controversy, she will compete in her next fight in the City of Light.
