IOC President condemns gender identity dispute involving boxers Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach defended the decision to allow boxers Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif to compete in women’s boxing events at the Paris Games, saying concerns over their gender identity were unacceptable. Questions about their gender surfaced after they were cleared by the IOC to compete in women’s matches despite being disqualified from a global event last year for failing gender eligibility tests. Both boxers have always competed in women’s divisions and are not transgender or intersex. The debate intensified after Angela Carini of Italy quit her match against Khelif, resulting in controversy and accusations of unfairness. The International Boxing Association disqualified both athletes last year after claiming they failed gender eligibility tests, but their families maintain they are female. Former President Donald Trump and author J.K. Rowling criticized the IOC’s decision, while Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports defended Khelif. The National Black Justice Collective expressed solidarity with Khelif and condemned the attacks on her. Nonbinary Olympic American runner Nikki Hiltz called out transphobia at the Olympics. Despite the controversy, both Khelif and Yu-ting continue to compete in the Paris Games, facing upcoming matches against Hungary and Bulgaria, respectively. The athletes and their families maintain their pride and commitment to their sport despite the challenges they face.

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