The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has come forward to defend boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, amidst a growing controversy surrounding their participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The dispute centers on their eligibility, despite both athletes meeting the necessary criteria to compete in the women’s boxing event.
Khelif, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and Lin, were disqualified from last year’s World Championships after failing to meet eligibility standards. The specifics of the disqualification were not disclosed at the time, leading to intense scrutiny and speculation. The situation escalated when Italy’s Angela Carini forfeited her welterweight bout against Khelif just 46 seconds into the match, further fueling the debate.
In response to the ongoing controversy, the IOC issued a statement emphasizing that all athletes should have the right to participate in sports without facing discrimination. The statement pointed out that the backlash against Khelif and Lin was due to an “arbitrary decision” made by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IOC stressed that both boxers adhered to all eligibility and medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit.
The IOC detailed that these rules were consistent with those used in previous Olympics, ensuring minimal disruption to athletes’ preparations. It highlighted that the decision to disqualify Khelif and Lin was taken abruptly and without due process by the IBA, which goes against principles of good governance and fairness in sport.
The statement from the IOC underscored the importance of consistent and evidence-based eligibility criteria, condemning any changes to rules during ongoing competitions. The IOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the human rights of all athletes, expressing sadness over the abuse faced by Khelif and Lin.
Support for Khelif and Lin has also come from their respective national Olympic committees. The Algerian Olympic Committee condemned the targeting of Khelif, describing it as unethical and baseless. Similarly, Taiwan’s former president Tsai Ing-wen and the Presidential Office’s secretary-general, Pan Men-an, voiced their support for Lin, denouncing the bullying and humiliation she has endured.
The IOC’s stance highlights the need for integrity and proper procedures within international sports organizations, advocating for fair treatment and respect for all athletes.
