UDATE: Imane Khelif’s Controversial Olympic Boxing Win: Gender Eligibility Debate Erupts
Imane Khelif does not identify as either transgender or intersex. “I am a female, and I will remain a female,” she has said during the current Olympic Games.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Khelif lost to Kellie Harrington in the quarterfinals without any accusations about her gender.
Irish boxer Amy Broadhurst, who beat Imane Khelif at the 2022 World Championships, has also defended her, reports The Independent. “Personally, I don’t think she has done anything to cheat. I think it’s the way she was born and that’s out of her control. The fact that she has been [beaten] by nine females before says it all,” Broadhurst wrote in a post on X.
Khelif was disqualified hours before her gold-medal bout at the women’s World Championships in New Delhi last year after she failed to meet the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) eligibility criteria, reports The Independent. The IBA says Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting did not undergo testosterone examination but were subject to “a separate and recognised test” but the specifics of those tests remain confidential. In June 2023, the International Olympic Committee stripped the IBA of its status as the global governing body for boxing because of failures to complete reforms on governance, finance and ethical issues, says Reuters.
Khelif says that ducking the punches of local boys where she grew up got her into boxing. She competed at the 2018 women’s World Championships, where she came 17th after being eliminated in the first round. Khelif’s father described the attacks against his daughter as “immoral”. She has brought the family honour, he says.
A recent Olympic boxing match has stirred up intense discussion about gender in sports. Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won her bout in just 46 seconds, but the victory has been overshadowed by questions about her eligibility to compete in women’s events.
“I’ve never felt a punch like this”
Italian boxer Angela Carini quit the match after taking a powerful hit from Khelif. She said, “I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.” This quick end to the fight has reignited a debate about fairness in women’s sports.
Khelif was barred from the 2023 World Championships due to eligibility concerns. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her to compete in Paris. This decision has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether Khelif has an unfair advantage.
A Different Story
It’s worth noting that at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Khelif lost to Kellie Harrington in the quarterfinals without any accusations about her gender. This raises questions about the sudden scrutiny she’s facing now.
The IOC stands by its choice to allow Khelif to compete. They stated, “Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.” The organisation emphasises that Khelif meets all current eligibility requirements for women’s boxing.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in creating fair and inclusive policies for sports. It’s a complex issue that affects athletes, officials, and fans alike.
A Filipino Athlete’s Journey
In a related story, Filipino boxer Hergie Bacyadan is also making waves at the Olympics. Bacyadan, who identifies as a transgender man, competes in the women’s division. His participation adds another layer to the conversation about gender identity in sports.
What do you think about the IOC’s decision to allow Khelif to compete? Do you believe there should be stricter guidelines for eligibility in women’s sports?
