IOC to IBA: Khelif and Lin Yu-ting Are Women—Ignore Chromosomes, Respect Their Right to Compete

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has affirmed that Imene Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, central figures in a gender controversy, are “eligible women to compete at the Paris Olympics.” The IOC publicly criticized the International Boxing Association (IBA) over the same issue.

In a press conference held at the main media center in Paris, France, IOC President Thomas Bach declared, “We have two boxers who are born as women, who have been raised as women, who have a passport as a woman and have competed for many years as women. Some want to own a definition of who is a woman.”

Thomas emphasized the importance of respecting these women both as individuals and as human beings, stressing that every woman has the right to participate in women’s competitions.

Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting competed in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics and found themselves at the center of this controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified them from the 2023 World Championships, claiming they possess XY chromosomes (male chromosomes).

However, unlike the IBA, the IOC argues that gender cannot be determined solely by chromosomes and sees no regulatory barriers to the athletes’ participation in the Olympics.

Thomas criticized the IBA and its leadership in Russia, stating that the organization, which they do not recognize, has tarnished the honor of the Olympics and the IOC since before the Paris Olympics. He added that a new organization should replace the IBA to maintain boxing’s official status.

Thomas’ involvement in the controversy appears to be driven by mounting international criticism directed at the two athletes. After learning that one of their athletes would face Khelif in the first round, Italy saw Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni protest to the IOC.

The Hungarian athlete who faced Imane Khelif in the quarter-finals took to social media, sharing an image of a monster and a woman boxing, stating, “It is unfair for Khelif to compete in the women’s category.”

Prominent figures, including J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, and Elon Musk, have also voiced criticism.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the IOC disciplined the IBA over match-fixing and financial difficulties. In response, the IOC established the Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), a temporary body overseeing boxing events at the Paris Olympics.