World Boxing President Clarifies: Imane Khelif Isn’t Transgender

World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the two female boxers at the center of the Olympics gender controversy, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, are transgender. The eligibility of Khelif and Lin has been scrutinized following Khelif’s swift 46-second victory over Angela Carini. Carini has since apologized for her post-fight reaction and expressed her respect for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision on Khelif’s eligibility.

Van der Vorst emphasized, “I have not seen one single test that is proving that [the boxers are] transgender. That’s the reason why it’s not very respectful for the boxers who are competing here to speak about them in these terms. When there is proof, yeah, that’s a different situation. But I haven’t seen anything that proves it.”

World Boxing aims to oversee the men’s and women’s boxing events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

In recent developments, Imane Khelif defeated Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand, advancing to the gold-medal round in the women’s welterweight division (66kg), where she will face Yang Liu of China. Lin Yu-ting has secured at least a bronze medal after advancing to the semifinal round of the featherweight division.

Key Points

1. World Boxing President’s Statement: Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing President, states there is no evidence proving Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting are transgender.
2. Olympics Gender Controversy: The eligibility of Khelif and Lin has been under scrutiny.
3. Khelif’s Victory: Imane Khelif won a 46-second fight against Angela Carini, prompting the controversy.
4. Carini’s Apology: Angela Carini apologized for her reaction and respects the IOC’s decision on Khelif’s eligibility.
5. No Proof of Transgender Status: Van der Vorst emphasized that no tests have proven the boxers are transgender and urged respect for the athletes.
6. Future Plans: World Boxing hopes to run men’s and women’s boxing events at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
7. Khelif’s Advancement: Imane Khelif advanced to the gold-medal round in the women’s welterweight division, where she will face Yang Liu of China.
8. Lin Yu-ting’s Success: Lin Yu-ting is guaranteed at least a bronze medal after advancing to the featherweight division’s semifinal round.