Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting found herself embroiled in a gender eligibility debate ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics and an upcoming match against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova.
Although Lin has not faced the same level of scrutiny as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, she was also identified as having male chromosomes during the 2023 Women’s World Championships, a tournament where Khelif also fought. Both athletes faced disqualification from the event.
Here’s what you need to know about Lin and the ongoing issue.
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Vitals
Gold medalist Taiwan’s Lin Yu Ting is shown during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 5, 2023. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lin is a 28-year-old boxer hailing from Taipei County, Taiwan, and she has been participating in women’s boxing since middle school, according to Taiwan News.
Reportedly, Lin took up boxing to safeguard her mother from domestic violence.
She has fought in the women’s bantamweight, women’s flyweight, and women’s featherweight classes.
Boxing career
Taiwan’s Lin Yu Ting celebrates after overcoming Kazakhstan’s Karina Ibragimova during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 5, 2023. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lin has been competing at the amateur championship level since 2017. She clinched a gold medal at the 2017 Asian Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, defeating Vietnam’s Le Thi Bang in the bantamweight division at the age of 21.
In 2018, Lin participated in the AIBA World Championships and secured another bantamweight gold. She continued her success with gold in the 2019 Asian Championships, the 2022 Asian Games, and the 2022 World Championships.
Lin represented her country in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, but lost to the Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio in the Round of 16.
The controversy surrounding Lin and Khelif began during the 2023 World Championships.
WHO IS IMANE KHELIF: THE ALGERIAN OLYMPIC BOXER DEEMED TO HAVE MALE CHROMOSOMES
Gender controversy
Lin faced disqualification from the 2023 World Championships and had a bronze medal revoked due to gender eligibility issues. IBA President Umar Kremlev addressed the reasoning behind Lin’s disqualification in a statement to Russia’s TASS Agency.
“Based on DNA tests, we identified several athletes who attempted to deceive others into believing they were female. The results confirmed they have XY chromosomes. These athletes were subsequently excluded from competition,” Kremlev stated.
Drama renewed
Taiwan’s Lin Yu Ting, left, engages with Kazakhstan’s Karina Ibragimova during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 5, 2023. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lin has qualified for the Paris Olympics, reigniting discussions regarding the boxer’s gender.
International Olympic Committee representative Mark Adams attempted to clarify the situation.
“All competitors in the women’s category meet the competition eligibility requirements,” Adams stated this week. “They are recognized as women on their identification, confirming their status as female.”
The IBA issued a statement prior to Khelif’s bout, providing details regarding the disqualification.
“On March 24, 2023, the IBA disqualified athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships New Delhi 2023,” they announced. “This decision was based on their failure to meet the criteria necessary for participating in the women’s competition, as clearly defined in the IBA Regulations. A thorough review supported this crucial decision to uphold fairness and integrity in competition.”
India’s Parveen Hooda, left, clashes with Taiwan’s Lin Yu Ting during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 4, 2023. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s important to note that the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subjected to a separate and established test, the specifics of which remain confidential,” the statement continued. “This testing conclusively showed that both athletes fell short of the eligibility requirements and had competitive advantages over their female counterparts.”
The IBA indicated that Lin had undergone two tests: one in 2022 and another in 2023. They have not appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, making the findings legally binding.
“Our Committees have thoroughly reviewed and ratified the decision taken during the World Championships,” the IBA stated. “While the IBA remains committed to ensuring competitive integrity in all of our events, we express concern regarding the inconsistent application of eligibility standards by other sports organizations, including those administering the Olympic Games. The differing regulations established by the IOC, in which the IBA is not involved, raise significant issues regarding both competitive fairness and athlete safety.”
The IOC responded with a statement on Thursday, defending its eligibility standards and affirming that Khelif met all the necessary requirements.
“These two athletes were victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision made by the IBA. Towards the conclusion of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.”
Lin vs Turdibekova
India’s Parveen Hooda, left, competes against Taiwan’s Lin Yu Ting during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 4, 2023. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lin will face Uzbek Sitora Turdibekova at the Paris Olympics on Friday, where Lin is the top seed in the 57-kilogram division.
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Lin’s boxing record
Lin boasts a record of 40 wins, 14 losses, and one knockout at the amateur level. Her most recent defeat was a split decision against Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu in Colorado in April.
Lin’s defense
New Taipei City Councilor Cho Kuan-ting stated on social media that Lin was registered as a female at birth, as reported by Taiwan News. Additionally, the outlet noted that Lin’s identity card has a “2” designation, which is assigned to females and cannot be changed.
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