Fury after another ‘biological male’ defeats female fighter at Olympics

A second boxer previously disqualified for failing a gender eligibility test has won her match in the women’s 57-kilogram division, sparking outrage in the Olympic boxing competition. 

Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting defeated 22-year-old Uzbekistani boxer Sitora Turdibekova in a unanimous 5:0 decision, leading many to view the match as unfair. Turdibekova, who faced a series of brutal blows from Lin, was visibly emotional and left the ring in tears after her hard-fought loss.

Turdibekova’s valiant effort in the ring drew sympathy from spectators and fans alike, as she bravely endured the fight against a formidable opponent. Despite her best efforts, she struggled against Lin’s superior height and reach, ultimately losing on points. The image of Turdibekova in tears resonated with many who empathised with her plight.

This incident follows Algeria’s Imane Khelif’s swift victory over Italy’s Angela Carini, who withdrew just 46 seconds into their bout, citing a suspected broken nose and a lack of fairness.

Both Lin and Khelif were disqualified from last year’s World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to unspecified gender eligibility issues. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared them to compete in Paris, emphasising that they meet Olympic gender eligibility standards.

While Lin advanced to the quarterfinals, Turdibekova’s courage and determination did not go unnoticed, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by athletes in the spotlight of the Olympics.

The IOC has condemned criticism of Lin and Khelif, who are both experienced Olympians, asserting their eligibility and emphasising inclusivity in the competition.