The participation of two biological male boxers in the female division of the Paris Olympics has sparked renewed criticism regarding the treatment of transgender athletes in sports.
Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan defeated Uzbek fighter Sitora Turdibekova in a lopsided match, drawing concern after Turdibekova appeared visibly injured.
Lin was allowed to compete despite prior disqualifications from the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to gender eligibility issues.
ONE-TWO PUNCH: Lin Yu-Ting is guaranteed an Olympic medal from the Paris Games after winning a quarterfinal fight in the women's division, despite facing worldwide scrutiny. Organizers have come to the Taiwanese fighter's defense against "hate speech." https://t.co/nSalYppSUX pic.twitter.com/iFjoa4q0Zu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 4, 2024
Following these matches, women’s sports advocates launched a campaign highlighting the challenges faced by female opponents like Turdibekova and Angela Carini, who fought against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
Both male fighters were reported to have XY chromosomes, which critics argue may provide them with competitive advantages.
The International Olympic Committee has been criticized for its inclusive policies that enabled this participation, while its spokesperson maintained that all competitors meet eligibility rules.
The situation has escalated discussions surrounding fairness in women’s sports.
