Asian Female Olympic Boxer Accused Of Being A Man, Targeted By J.K. Rowling

Due to their nature, the Olympics are almost assured to generate more controversy than any other sports event. The 2024 Paris Olympics has already seen its fair share of issues, such as the disrespect allegedly shown to competitors on Team China.

Each Time Chinese Olympians Have Been “Disrespected” At The “2024 Paris Olympics”

Another controversy that has taken over social media involves the female boxer Imane Khelif, who has been accused of being born a biological male after a quick defeat of her opponent, who has since apologized.

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Following a recent match, another boxer has been targeted with similar accusations.

Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting defeated Sitora Turdibekova in the women’s 57-kilogram division, 5-0. 28-year-old Lin is a favorite in the weight division and made her boxing debut in 2013.

Z2T5CXA4WJPCBFCCTELIRPMGVU — Lin Yu Ting | *REUTERS*

Ahead of Lin’s match, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling targeted her and Khelif, accusing them of not being women. The author has since made more tweets questioning the two women’s gender, along with remarks alleged to be transphobic by many online.

What will it take to end this insanity? A female boxer left with life-altering injuries? A female boxer killed? https://t.co/2OGWUQYtU5

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 30, 2024

This allegation was based on the fact that Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships New Delhi 2023 after tests found them to have an “advantage” over other competitors.

Point to note, the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subject to a separate and recognized test, whereby the specifics remain confidential. This test conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors.

— IBA in a statement on July 31, 2024

These tests and their guidelines have not been revealed, with the president of the IBA (International Boxing Association) reportedly told Russian state media that it was “proven they have XY chromosome” by testing in a unspecified laboratory.

The IBA was removed from overseeing the Olympic Games due to corruption in the organization that has been observed for more than a decade, something that was alleged to have happened with the two women’s disqualifications. It is also worth noting that Lin and Khelif have competed in womens’ categories for years, losing matches to other women.