Algeria’s Imane Khelif described the boxing gold at the Paris Olympics as having “a special taste” after two weeks of intense speculation over eligibility amid a gender controversy that overshadowed the Games.
Khelif, who defeated China’s Yang Liu to win the welterweight title, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, found themselves at the centre of a media storm and heated debates on social media.
“I am a woman like any other,” Khelif stated during a press conference following her victory. “I was born a woman and have lived as a woman, but there are those who can’t accept my success. That makes this victory even sweeter.”
Earlier this week the International Boxing Association (IBA) provided a detailed account of the events leading to the disqualification of Khelif Lin Yu-ting. Both athletes were subject to gender testing due to concerns raised by coaches and boxers.
The initial tests, conducted in May 2022, revealed results that did not align with the eligibility criteria for women’s boxing events, but a conclusive decision was delayed until further tests were conducted during the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. These second tests confirmed the initial findings, leading to their disqualification. Despite opportunities to appeal the decisions, Lin Yu-ting did not challenge her disqualification, while Imane Khelif’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was terminated due to non-payment of procedural costs.
Following these disqualifications the IBA amended its competition rules, defining gender eligibility strictly based on chromosomal makeup (XX for females, XY for males) and prohibiting athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) from competing in women’s events.
The IBA communicated these developments to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but later criticised the IOC for allowing the disqualified athletes to participate in the Paris Games. The situation culminated in the IBA holding a press conference to clarify the facts and defend its position, emphasising the health and safety concerns posed by allowing ineligible athletes to compete in women’s boxing.
