Boxer Advances to Gold Medal Round Despite Gender Test Controversy

The Paris Olympics have become a hotbed of controversy as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has failed past gender eligibility tests, continues to dominate her female opponents. Khelif's latest victory against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semifinals has secured her a spot in the gold medal match scheduled for Friday.

Khelif overwhelmed Suwannapheng with a decisive 5-0 victory, delivering a barrage of punches that resulted in a standing eight-count in the third round. Throughout the Paris Olympics, Khelif has won every round on every judge’s card, showcasing her formidable skills in the ring.

However, the controversy surrounding Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting has overshadowed their achievements. Both athletes failed gender tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2019 and 2023. According to IBA CEO Chris Roberts, blood tests from 2019 indicated “inconsistent” results that did not align with typical female biology. Further tests in 2023 revealed chromosomes that, according to competition rules, rendered both fighters ineligible.

Despite these findings, Khelif and Lin were allowed to compete in the Olympics, raising questions about the enforcement and credibility of gender testing in sports.

• Past Disqualifications: Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing gender tests. Notably, Khelif defeated Suwannapheng during that tournament before her disqualification.

• Athlete Reactions: Several of Khelif's opponents have voiced concerns over competing against her. Italian boxer Angela Carini initially called her match against Khelif “unjust” but later retracted her statement. Hungarian fighter Anna Luca Hamori expressed her grievances on social media, suggesting that Khelif was not a biological woman.

Lin also faced protests, with Bulgarian boxer Svetlana Staneva making an "X" gesture after losing to Lin, symbolizing the XX chromosomes associated with females. Staneva's coach distributed a note to the press, emphasizing the desire to compete against biologically female opponents.

• IOC Response: Despite the uproar, International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson Mark Adams dismissed the IBA gender tests as “not credible.” Adams stated that the IBA’s assessments held no weight in determining eligibility for Olympic boxing competitions.

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over gender identity and eligibility in sports. As Khelif prepares for the gold medal match, the tension between inclusivity and fair competition continues to be a contentious issue within the athletic community.

As the Olympic Games progress, the sports world watches closely, questioning the integrity of gender testing and its impact on fairness in competition. For more updates on this and other sports controversies, subscribe to our newsletter.