Taiwanese boxer quits competition as gender row continues

THE gender row over Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting appears to be far from over, as the Taiwanese was reported to withdraw from a competition in Britain due to questions about her gender eligibility. 

Lin has opted to withdraw from the competition, according to Taiwanese sports officials. However, misunderstanding arose when organizers stated that the boxer did not even participate in the event. 

Along with Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, Lin was also involved in a gender row during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, the boxer was scheduled to compete in the World Boxing Cup Finals beginning on Wednesday.

Lin is a woman

The event in which she was slated to compete is still relatively new, having been formed in 2023, and is organized by World Boxing. It has approximately 55 members, including Taiwan. 

According to Taiwan’s Sports Administration, Lin was slated to compete in her first international competition since the Summer Games, but she withdrew after World Boxing questioned her eligibility.

“She is female, meets all eligibility criteria, and successfully participated in the women’s boxing event (in Paris), winning a gold medal,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, as World Boxing is newly established and still navigating the development of its operational mechanisms, it lacks the clear regulatory policies of the IOC that ensure the protection of athletes’ rights.”

“Additionally, World Boxing’s medical committee has yet to establish robust confidentiality procedures to safeguard the medical information submitted by Taiwan regarding Lin Yu-ting,” the statement added.

Avoiding further harm

Given that the 28-year-old boxer offered to undergo a “comprehensive medical examination locally” in Britain and was turned down by World Boxing, they opted to withdraw to avoid further “harm.” 

According to Hsieh Chi-ying, Lin came a few days ago and decided not to attend the event. However, World Boxing stated that the existing eligibility criterion does not preclude Lin from competing in the World Boxing Cup.

“Selection decisions are made by national federations and the boxer was not entered in the event,” said a spokesman. “At World Boxing we put boxers first and the safety of athletes is absolutely paramount.”

“We have recognized for some time that gender clarity is an extremely complex issue with significant welfare concerns and our medical committee has a dedicated working group committed to examining every aspect of this area so that we can strengthen our policy.”

Nonetheless, both local media and President Lai Ching-te referred to Lin as “Taiwan’s daughter.” World Boxing is also in negotiations with the IOC about taking over the sport following the disastrous gender controversy.