Lin Yu-ting, representing Chinese Taipei, won her semifinal match at the Paris Olympics in the women’s 57-kilogram competition and advanced to the featherweight gold medal bout. Despite facing false accusations about her gender and eligibility, Lin secured victory with a unanimous decision despite suffering from a cold and facing a strong opponent from Turkey. Another female boxer, Imane Khelif of Algeria, also advanced to the gold medal match in the women’s 66-kilogram division.
Both Lin and Khelif have faced intense scrutiny and allegations around their gender, originating from a decision by the International Boxing Association to disqualify them at a previous championship in New Delhi. However, the International Olympic Committee has defended their eligibility based on their passport genders, severing ties with the IBA due to financial and ethical impropriety.
The controversy surrounding Lin and Khelif has brought the IBA’s legitimacy into question, with the IOC criticizing the association’s flawed and illegitimate eligibility tests. As the two boxers prepare for their respective gold medal matches, they continue to face backlash and false accusations, with prominent figures such as J.K. Rowling and former President Donald Trump weighing in on the debate around gender eligibility in sports. Despite the challenges and scrutiny, Lin and Khelif remain focused on their upcoming bouts, with Khelif pleading for an end to bullying athletes.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
