Olympics President Says No Clear Way to Identify Men and Women

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach faced scrutiny on Friday regarding the ongoing gender controversy surrounding the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. In a press conference, Bach stated that the IOC currently lacks a “scientifically solid system” to differentiate between male and female athletes, a statement that has sparked significant debate. He was questioned about the IOC's commitment to reviewing guidelines that permitted two boxers, who had previously failed gender tests by the International Boxing Association (IBA), to compete as women. Bach emphasized the IOC's openness to adopting a scientifically valid method for gender identification, expressing a desire to eliminate uncertainty in the competition. He stated, “We do not like this uncertainty... So we would be more than pleased to look into it.” However, he rejected the notion of determining gender based solely on appearances or unverified claims, highlighting the need for credible scientific evidence. The controversy intensified following the IBA's decision to disqualify athletes based on chromosome testing, which revealed that some competitors had XY chromosomes. This has led to widespread debate about the fairness of allowing individuals with male chromosomes to compete in women's events. Meanwhile, IOC spokesman Mark Adams reiterated that an athlete's gender as indicated on their passport is sufficient for eligibility. Bach's remarks have drawn criticism on social media, with many questioning the IOC's approach to gender verification in sports. As the Games approach, the conversation around gender identity and competition continues to evolve.