Gender row at Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif at centre of storm
The whole world is talking about Imane Khelif. Some claim that the Algerian boxer should not compete with women at the Paris Olympics. A former rival came to her defence. – The fact that she has been beating (sic) by 9 females before says it all – stated Amy Broadhurst.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer competing at the Paris Olympics, has been at the centre of a dispute concerning athletes' gender. Despite the controversy and disqualification from last year's Women's World Championships, where she did not meet the competition criteria, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accepted her participation in the Olympics.
On Thursday, Khelif advanced to the women's boxing tournament quarterfinals in the 66 kg category, but her victory stirred up huge controversy. Her opponent, Italian Angela Carini, conceded after the first hit, explaining that she did not want to risk her health in a fight against the Algerian.
A storm immediately erupted after the match. Some argue that Carini was right to do so because Khelif is "biologically male". Amy Broadhurst, who defeated Khelif in the World Championship finals in 2022, defended the Algerian.
– Have a lot of people texting me over Imane Khelif. 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 beating (sic) by 9 females before says it all – Broadhurst stated, quoted by "Daily Mail".
2024 Olympics. The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif
Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan were disqualified during the Women's World Championships in New Delhi for failing testosterone level tests, which sparked international discussion. Both athletes were identified as intersex, which in a medical context means having biological characteristics of different sexes. The IOC decided, however, that both could compete as women in Olympic boxing.
This decision caused much controversy, but the IOC bases its stance on anti-discrimination regulations, ensuring fair competition and inclusivity. The context draws an analogy to the case of runner Caster Semenya, who also faced hurdles related to naturally high testosterone levels.
Imane Khelif in Paris. IOC's response and further actions
In a statement from the IOC and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit, it was emphasised that everyone has the right to participate in sports without discrimination, and all participants in the boxing tournament at the Paris Olympics meet eligibility requirements and medical regulations. It was also emphasised that the gender regulations of the athletes are consistent with the information on their passports.
The IOC expressed regret over the abuse directed at Khelif and Lin, emphasising the need to protect the human rights of all Olympians and the pursuit of consensus among National Boxing Federations regarding the new International Boxing Federation, which will be crucial for the future of the sport at the Olympics.
The IOC's decision triggers a debate about balancing fair competition with equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their biological peculiarities. This case might set a precedent for future rules regarding gender and participation in international sporting events.
