In a move that has sparked outrage among female athletes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to allow boxers who have failed gender eligibility tests to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. This controversial decision has drawn sharp criticism from Claressa Shields, a prominent American boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
The issue came to light when Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu‑ting of Taiwan were disqualified from the Women’s World Boxing Championships last year in New Delhi for failing gender eligibility tests. However, the IOC’s recent decision to no longer recognize sanctioning from the International Boxing Association (IBA) has paved the way for these athletes to compete in the women’s 66kg and 57kg matches in Paris.
Shields, known for her outspoken nature, did not mince words in her reaction to this development. “I don’t agree with them being allowed to compete in sport, especially combat sports,” she said. “It can be incredibly dangerous. I don’t agree with it. It’s not like I haven’t sparred men before. But you know it can be dangerous for combat sports and it should be seriously looked into.”
The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, Cris Cyborg, also voiced her concern, calling for the IOC to “protect the integrity of women’s sports” and stating that she “would not compete” against boxers unable to pass gender eligibility tests.
Caitlin Parker, the Australian boxing captain, echoed similar sentiments, expressing her discomfort with the situation. “Yes, biologically … genetically they are going to have more advantages and in combat sports it can be dangerous,” she said. “I really hope the organizations get their act together so that boxing can continue to be at the Olympics. It’s the oldest Olympic sport. Women’s boxing was only introduced in 2012 and I want to see it for the next 100, 200 years to come.”
The decision to allow these boxers to compete has raised serious questions about fairness and safety in women’s sports. As the Paris Olympics draw near, the debate is sure to intensify, with athletes, coaches, and fans alike calling for the IOC to reconsider its stance and protect the integrity of the competition.
