Controversial Eligibility Rules for Female Athletes at Paris Olympics

The upcoming Paris Olympics has brought to light the intricate issues surrounding sex eligibility rules in women’s sports, particularly in boxing. Athletes like Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan find themselves in precarious positions due to conditions known as differences of sex development (DSD). These conditions can result in an XY chromosome pattern or elevated testosterone levels, complicating the definition of female eligibility. The debate intensified following a 2019 Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing, where track officials controversially labeled DSD athletes as “biologically male,” a statement that has drawn significant backlash from affected athletes like Caster Semenya. As the Paris Games approach, women’s boxing retains the same eligibility criteria as the 2016 Rio Olympics, where an athlete’s gender is determined solely by their passport. This consistency comes despite the International Boxing Association's suspension from the Games due to governance issues. In contrast, other sports, such as athletics and swimming, have implemented stricter eligibility rules for female athletes with DSD conditions since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, reflecting a growing trend towards more defined regulations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has acknowledged the complexities of testosterone testing, with spokesperson Mark Adams stating that such tests are not definitive solutions. While male athletes are not subjected to the same scrutiny regarding testosterone levels, female athletes with DSD conditions face significant barriers. The lack of updated eligibility rules in boxing highlights a broader dysfunction within Olympic sports governance, leaving many athletes uncertain as the Games draw near.