Paris, August 6, 2024 — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sharply condemned the gender tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) during last year’s World Championships, which led to the disqualification of two female boxers, Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting. The IOC deemed the tests “illegitimate” and expressed concerns over the credibility of the IBA’s actions.
The controversy erupted when Khelif and Lin were disqualified after the IBA claimed they had failed gender eligibility tests. These tests were reportedly administered in an arbitrary manner, late in the competition, after both athletes had already participated in several bouts. The IOC’s spokesperson, Mark Adams, addressed the issue during a press conference, stating, “Those tests are not legitimate tests. The tests themselves, the process of the tests, and the ad hoc nature of the tests are not legitimate.”
Adams further criticised the process, labelling it as an impromptu and unjustified decision. “The testing, the method of the testing, the idea of the testing which happened kind of overnight. None of it is legitimate and this does not deserve any response,” he remarked. He also indicated that the two athletes might have been unfairly targeted, questioning the foundation of the IBA’s decision-making process. “Two athletes tested in the middle of the world championships and carted off and tested. How are they targeted for this to come about and is it fair and right that two individuals are targeted in this way… by a federation that is completely discredited?”
Both Khelif and Lin have since been cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics, where they have advanced to the semi-finals in their respective weight categories. This comes despite the IBA’s earlier attempt to bar them from competition. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te praised Lin’s resilience, saying, “Yu-ting is great! In recent days, Taiwan’s people have been indignant at the slander against her. Facing the challenge, Yu-ting is fearless and uses her strength to crush the rumours. Let us continue to cheer for her!”
The IBA, recently stripped of its status as boxing’s governing body by the IOC due to governance and financial issues, has been embroiled in a public spat with the Olympic body. IOC President Thomas Bach accused the IBA of launching a defamation campaign against the IOC, with IBA President Umar Kremlev making incendiary remarks on social media.
Adding to the drama, the IBA offered Italy’s Angela Carini, who withdrew after a bout with Khelif, $50,000 in prize money. This move further fueled tensions with the IOC, which has urged national boxing federations to establish a new global governing body to avoid the sport’s exclusion from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Amidst the controversy, Khelif’s father, Amar, voiced his support for his daughter, expressing pride and optimism. “The tests were taken arbitrarily,” he echoed the IOC’s sentiment. “The very fact that the decision to do the testing on the spot there… I am not quite sure what the foundation for the testing was.”
As Khelif and Lin continue their quest for Olympic glory, the boxing world watches closely, mindful of the ongoing dispute between the IOC and IBA. The situation has cast a shadow over the sport, raising questions about governance and fairness in international competition.
