World Boxing President Defends Olympic Gender Policies Amid Controversy

In Villepinte, France, the president of World Boxing, Boris Van Der Vorst, has expressed support for the International Olympic Committee’s eligibility policies for the upcoming Paris Olympics. He emphasized the importance of letting medical professionals make decisions regarding gender eligibility, especially given the intricate nature of these issues.

Van Der Vorst stated that player safety comes first when it comes to determining health and gender policies in combat sports. He firmly disagreed with the criticism aimed at the IOC regarding the eligibility of women boxers Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan.

Recently, the former International Boxing Association (IBA), which World Boxing is aiming to replace, claimed both Khelif and Lin failed gender eligibility tests at its 2023 world championships. Despite these allegations, Khelif won her first bout at the Paris Games when her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, retired after just 46 seconds.

Carini’s decision to withdraw stirred quite a buzz on social media, as many interpreted it as a profound statement on the ongoing debate surrounding athletes’ eligibility. Van Der Vorst commented on this situation, expressing disappointment that the pressure from social media and public scrutiny impacted the athletes involved.

He lamented, “What happened today, it shouldn’t be happening like this.” The issue hinges on policies set by the IBA, which has faced significant criticism, leading to its ban from the Olympic movement since 2019.

Under the IBA’s former parameters, Khelif was disqualified due to reportedly elevated testosterone levels, while Lin lost a bronze medal based on unspecified eligibility issues from a biochemical test.

With the ongoing internal struggles within boxing, World Boxing, an organization formed by nations that broke away from IBA, seeks approval to take over as the official governing body for Olympic boxing. If successful, it will manage major tournaments going forward, which is crucial for the sport’s future in the Olympics.

Van Der Vorst noted that it’s still too early to finalize World Boxing’s specific policies regarding gender identity, especially given the distinct physical demands of boxing. He reiterated the need for a strong focus on safety while considering additional factors unique to combat sports.

The IOC continues to rely on 2016 rules for assessing gender eligibility, while various Olympic sports have updated their guidelines over the past three years. Van Der Vorst shared that a medical committee will be tasked with developing new policies once the current Olympic Games conclude.

He also highlighted the importance of good testing, not just for gender but for broader medical evaluations. Van Der Vorst remarked on the unfounded speculation surrounding the identities of both Khelif and Lin, noting, “I have not seen one single test that is proving that (the boxers are) transgender.” He stressed the need to approach such discussions with respect for the athletes involved.