A new controversy has emerged in the boxing world following the quarter-final match of the women’s 57kg category at the Olympics. Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan defeated Bulgaria’s Svetlanak Staneva, but the focus quickly shifted from the win to accusations surrounding Yu-Ting’s gender.
Photographs show Staneva making two ‘X’ signs with her index fingers, a gesture that appears to comment on her opponent’s sex. This incident has added fuel to the ongoing debate over Yu-Ting’s eligibility, as she was previously accused by the International Boxing Federation of being a man after failing gender eligibility tests at the world championships in India last year.
Male chromosomes are designated by an X and a Y, while females have two X’s. One spectator noted, “It’s quite shocking if that’s what she meant, implying that she is a woman and her opponent isn’t.”
Despite the controversy, Staneva displayed respect by holding the ropes open for Yu-Ting to leave the ring. Although the fighters did not initially touch gloves, Yu-Ting approached Staneva and touched her on the shoulder after the match.
Staneva left the arena without commenting, and Yu-Ting declined to engage in the controversy, saying, “I have received many messages of support from my country and from people in Paris. I thank them. But I have not been able to read them because I have shut down my social media. I am going to keep going and aim for the gold medal.”
Imane Khelif of Algeria is another boxer facing scrutiny over her eligibility to compete in the women’s category. Khelif’s match against Italian opponent Angela Carini ended abruptly after 46 seconds when Carini, suffering a suspected broken nose, quit the match in tears, exclaiming, “It’s not right, it’s not right.”
Carini later expressed regret for her reaction, saying, “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision. It wasn’t something I intended to do [not shake her hand]. Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke. I don’t have anything against Khelif. Actually, if I were to meet her again I would embrace her.”
As the Olympics continue, both Yu-Ting and Khelif remain focused on their goal of winning gold, while the controversies surrounding their participation persist.