Calls are getting louder for Imane Khelif and Lin-Yu-Ting to be screened for the ‘Y Chromosome’ earlier than they step into the ring once more.
Khelif and Yu-Ting gained the gold medal at Paris 2024, driving a wave of controversy of their wake. Since then, it has turn into obvious that definitive questions must be answered.
The primary a type of is whether or not the chromosome is current or not.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman joined those that needed some check earlier than any XX rivals shared the ring with Khelif or Yu-Ting. We do know to this point that each Olympic champions had been born feminine, however the actual make-up of their cells is but to be decided.
Sulaiman hopes that the scenario could be clarified quickly.
“The central and most critical issue which ought to matter is the integrity, security, and well-being of the athletes,” mentioned Sulaiman. “Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting are the fighters in query. With out definitive proof, they had been apparently born XX [female], they aren’t trans, they usually have a genetic situation that offers them vital bodily benefits.
“It isn’t the fault of Imane and Lin, who’re struggling assaults, scorn, and derision. Every little thing is being blended up, from science and medication, homophobia, sexism, human rights, legal guidelines, guidelines, and even abandonment of frequent sense to assault them.
“The truth is that their rivals get into the ring taking unacceptable dangers. Boxing just isn’t a sport. It’s a contact sport.”
Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting screening
He added, “Immediately, the scandal focuses on these two ladies boxers, however it could possibly be {that a} highly effective world champion was matched in opposition to a younger fighter in search of the Olympic dream. The vital factor right here is to study and know the fact. Do Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting have XY chromosomes or the situation that offers them a bonus over their rivals? Sure or no?
If that’s the case, then it’s unquestionable that they’ve better energy, endurance, pace, testosterone ranges, and muscle mass. This provides them a terrific aggressive benefit, eliminating truthful play, and places the well being of their rivals at vital threat.
“We’re not speaking about breaking a time document or scoring targets; we’re speaking about boxing, a contact sport by which the opponent could be harm, and we pray to God that nothing regrettable occurs within the remaining fights.”
Khelif is launching authorized motion over social media bullying. Whereas Yu-Ting has walked away quietly, have taken much less of the media hammering. Each might now resolve to show skilled. In the event that they do, there could possibly be much more controversy to return.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
