Controversy at Paris Olympics over gender eligibility

Critics accuse Games authorities of putting women's lives at risk by allowing disqualified boxers to compete

The Paris Olympics have faced sharp criticism for allowing two boxers, previously disqualified from the World Championships for failing gender eligibility tests, to compete. Fiona Mcanena, author of Fair Play for Women, has condemned the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for this decision, calling it "terrifying" and accusing them of "putting women's lives at risk."

Mcanena, in an interview with GB News, stated, "There is no doubt that they are putting women's lives at risk." She criticized the IOC's policy, which assumes no advantage for transgender women or individuals with differences in sex development. She argued, "When your policy is driven by ideology rather than science, this is where you end up."

In 2021, the IOC declared no presumed advantage for athletes based on trans identity or sex development differences, a stance Mcanena believes has led to the current situation. The two boxers in question do not identify as transgender but have disorders of sex development, meaning they have male physical attributes. Mcanena emphasized that the impact on women competing against them remains dangerous.

She referenced past controversies, such as a male weightlifter competing in the women's category at the Tokyo Olympics, which many deemed unfair. Although international weightlifting has since changed its rules to exclude males from women's competitions, Mcanena insists the IOC's policy is to blame for ongoing issues. "This one is all really on the IOC. This is their choice. It's their policy," she asserted.

Mcanena further explained that determining someone's sex is straightforward and argued that if athletes are not good enough to compete in the men's category, they should not be allowed in the women's events. "There's no right for people to get access to sport in order to perform. But there is an expectation that women and girls will have equal opportunity in sport, and that has to mean not having to compete against anyone male," she stated.

In response, the IOC issued a statement affirming that all athletes in the boxing tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games comply with eligibility and medical regulations. They emphasized efforts to minimize impact on athletes' preparation and ensure consistency between Olympic Games.

The two boxers at the center of the controversy, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan and Imane Khelif of Algeria, are competing in their second Summer Games. Both athletes did not medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Khelif was disqualified from the boxing championship due to "high levels of testosterone," and Lin Yu-ting was disqualified for "failing to meet gender eligibility tests."

The debate over gender eligibility and fairness in women's sports continues, with the Paris Olympics' decision reigniting discussions on the balance between inclusivity and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes. Mcanena's criticisms highlight the ongoing tension between ideological policies and scientific considerations in sports governance.