The International Olympic Committee released a statement expressing their sadness over the abuse directed towards Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting since their participation in the Paris Games.
Kheilif gained global attention when her Italian opponent Angela Carini withdrew from their match after only 46 seconds, citing pain in her nose and difficulty breathing.
The inclusion of Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting has been heavily scrutinized following reports of them allegedly failing a gender eligibility test for having male chromosomes. Despite being disqualified from the previous year’s world amateur championships by the IBA, the IOC allowed them to compete in the Paris Games after deeming the IBA’s decision as abrupt and unjust.
A spokesperson stated that both athletes have a history of competing internationally, including at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
In response to the criticism surrounding Khelif’s victory, the IOC released a detailed statement clarifying the situation and refuting any misleading information.
The IOC emphasized the importance of following proper processes and scientific evidence when implementing eligibility rules and condemned the mistreatment of the athletes.
Furthermore, the IOC highlighted the withdrawal of recognition of IBA and stressed the need for National Boxing Federations to come to a consensus for the inclusion of boxing in the LA28 Olympic Games.