Boxing fury and split opinions as some support and some are not in support of Lin Yu-Ting, a former barred boxer who failed a gender eligibility test last year. Competing in the French Olympics, Lin has already won the first bout.
Controversy Continues
Lin Yu-Ting is one of two boxers in the 2024 French Olympics, spurring mass controversy due to failed gender eligibility tests.
Lin Wins
The 28-year-old has won the first match against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova.
Fighting for a Long Time
The Taiwanese boxer had previously competed in the Tokyo Japan Olympics of 2021 and other competitions. However, Lin was banned from competing in the Boxing World Championships last year. The athlete was also stripped of a medal.
Cheers for Lin
Lin entered the ring with confidence, and supporters cheered on. Lin has a “tall slender frame” at 57kg. It’s alleged that when compared to most of the other featherweight competitors, Lin stands taller and thinner than the rest.
No Chance
Sitora Turdibekova was in tears after she lost the match to Lin.
Emotional and Overwhelmed
Turdibekova, just like Angela Carini, who had previously fought the other controversial boxer from Algeria, Imane Khelif, didn’t shake her opponent’s hand after the match, reports said.
Standing by Their Decision
In a statement, the IBA (International Boxing Association) reiterated its decision to previously ban the two athletes based on the failed gender eligibility tests. In the statement by the IBA they said, “We reiterate our stance and firm position.”
Allowing Ineligible to Compete
The association also said it “condemns” the IOC and the World Boxing Association for allowing ineligible athletes to compete in the competition.
They Did Not Meet the Eligible Requirements
Both Lin and Khelif underwent a “separate and recognised test” in 2023, the IBA said. More test results from the same year and 2022 gave strong evidence that the pair did not meet the requirements for the women’s class they wanted to compete in.
It’s a Yes
The Olympics in France has set a different set of rules and the IOC has defended the controversial athletes saying they met the requirements to compete in the Olympics and that “their passports say they’re women.”
“Won’t Support Fights Between Genders”
Furthermore, they added that they would “never support any boxing bouts between the genders” and that the safety and well-being of all athletes is a first priority.
Don’t Shatter Their Dreams & Hopes
The IBA continued the statement that it protects women and their right to compete against equal rivals. The statement also further continued saying that “hopes and dreams must never be taken away by organisations unwilling to do the right thing under difficult circumstances.”
There’s a Valid Reason Behind the Ban
According to World Boxing News, The International Boxing Association said Khelif and Lin should not compete. The IBN also reiterated its decision and reasoning behind the ban of the two athletes in 2023.
No Real Say
However, the IBN is barred and has been barred as an organisation from the Olympics since 2019. The rules applied in the IBN didn’t apply in the 2024 Olympic games.
Supporters Not Happy
Turdibekova is a featherweight, aged 22. She competed in 17 fights and may not be as advanced in her boxing career as her opponent. However, some people still alleged that Turdibekova was put in an “unfair match.”
Possible Advantage?
Just like Khelif, Lin is another athlete who was banned from the boxing championships by the International Boxing Association. The IBA also added that the test had shown them to have an “advantage” over women.
Ineligible to Compete With Women
Reports alleged the athlete’s tests came back positive for XY chromosomes. The IBA has said that the athlete’s tests forfeited their eligibility to compete within the women’s category.
Some Are Upset, Some Show Support
Friday’s match rekindled the anger some people have showcased towards these past two matches. The IOC’s spokesperson Mark Adams has commented that the fact that the athletes are competing should “not turn into some kind of witch hunt.”
Well-known People Spoke Out
Celebrities and famous personalities have also spoken about this, including JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Britain’s Nicola Adams have all spoken out. Riley Gaines had commented, “men don’t belong in women’s sports.”
Next Match
Now that Lin has progressed to the next stage, the component to face is Svetlana Staneva from Bulgaria.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Rodolfo Clix.