It’s been a whirlwind at the Paris 2024 Olympics, laden with controversy since it began. Bulgarian female boxer protests in defiance while in the ring. Here’s the story.
“Match Up”
On the 4th of August, two boxers were up. Taiwanese Lin Yu-Ting, the controversial “XY” athlete in a ring with Svetlana Staneva of Bulgaria.
Controversial Boxers in Women’s League, Paris
Lin, along with Algeria’s Imane Khelif, both failed their gender eligibility test at the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships 2023.
France Allows Them to Fight Women
The pair were since banned from competing. Lin was also stripped of the Japan Olympics bronze medal for the 2021 games.
Making a Stand?
After the match, female boxer Svetlana Staneva was seen making a bold statement, pointing two index fingers twice at herself and then doing two “x x” signs with her index fingers. The crowd reportedly had “mixed reactions” to her gesture.
Fuel to Fire?
The “XX” was a representation of her XX chromosomes as she is a female boxer. Her gesture is said to fuel the controversy swirling around the French Olympics. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) cleared Khelif and Lin to fight in the women’s division despite their failed gender eligibility tests.
The Fight
Staneva was “forced” to bout with failed sex-eligibility test athlete Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan in the quarter-finals at the Olympics in France. Lin won the match and is going through to the semi-finals.
Aftermath of Fight
Lin had reportedly said in a comment, “I know that all the Taiwanese people are behind me,” the Guardian reported.
No Comment
After the match, Staneva didn’t shake her opponent’s hand and didn’t comment for the news reporters who waited for some feedback from her.
Staneva’s Coach Speaks Out
According to The Guardian, Staneva’s coach, Borislav Georgiev, commented that he was not a medical professional or authoritative enough to say whether or not Lin could compete in the women’s category. However, “…if the test shows he or she has the ‘Y’ chromosome, she should not be here.”
“I Am a Woman”
Her coach was also reportedly later seen with a white page and on it written, “I only want to play with women. I am XX.”
Not Overthrowing Their Decision
The IBA has previously said in their statements that they will stand firm in their previous decision to disqualify and not allow Lin and Khelif to compete in women’s boxing.
Dangerous & Eligibility Tests Failed
Not only was it dangerous, but the two also failed a “recognised eligibility test, whereby the specifics are not disclosed.”
Neither Appealed
The IBN also said in its statement that neither athlete appealed the decision to ban them from the women’s boxing league when allowed to do so.
Multiple Failed Gender Eligibility
The IBA confirmed former failed gender eligibility tests done on the athletes in 2022, Istanbul, and 2023, New Delhi. The decision was previously “rigorously reviewed,” and undisputed results were confirmed more than once.
Other Organisations Allow Banned Algerian Boxer
According to the IBA statement, prior to the Olympic games, World Boxing allowed Khelif to compete in May 2024 in their Eindhoven Box Cup. The athlete competed as a woman in the April 2024, USA Boxing International Invitational Tournament.
Concerns Remain
The IBA said they were concerned for the fighter’s safety and that pairing non-illegible with eligible boxers was worrisome.
Putting Female Boxers at Risk
The Association said they didn’t understand why any sporting organisation would put the boxer at risk “with what could be a potential serious within the Field Of Play.”
IOC Defends Decision
Despite the XY chromosome test results, the IOC continues to defend its decision to allow the controversial pair, Lin and Khelif, to compete in the women’s category.
Female on Passports Is Enough?
The IOC has previously commented that both athletes were raised as women and have been competing in women’s boxing all their lives. The spokesperson has also said both athletes “are female on their passports.”
Semi-Finals Guaranteed Place for Lin
Lin is going through a soon-to-be chance of getting the gold medal in 2024. Lin allegedly said that the goal has not been achieved yet, so “I will keep fighting.” – According to NBC News.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Real Sports Photos.