27-11-2024 (TAIPEI) Olympic gold medallist Lin Yu-ting has withdrawn from the World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield following questions about her gender eligibility, marking another chapter in an ongoing controversy that has rippled through international boxing.
Taiwan’s Sports Administration confirmed today that Lin, who recently clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, pulled out of the competition just days after arriving in Britain. The tournament, organised by the newly established World Boxing organisation, was meant to be Lin’s first international appearance since her Olympic triumph.
The withdrawal stems from what Taiwanese officials describe as procedural uncertainties within World Boxing, which was founded in 2023 and represents approximately 55 member nations, including Taiwan. Despite Lin’s offer to undergo local medical examination in Britain, the organisation’s response proved unsatisfactory.
“Lin’s female status and eligibility credentials are firmly established, as evidenced by her successful Olympic participation and subsequent gold medal victory,” the Sports Administration stated. They further highlighted concerns about World Boxing’s developing operational framework and medical confidentiality protocols, contrasting these with the established procedures of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This latest development follows a controversial episode at the Paris Olympics, where Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced unfounded gender-based allegations. The situation escalated when the Russian-led International Boxing Association’s (IBA) president made disputed claims about genetic testing results, prompting a strong defence from the IOC.
IOC President Thomas Bach had previously affirmed both athletes’ gender identity, noting their lifelong female identification and corresponding legal documentation. Neither athlete is known to identify as transgender.
The incident has drawn swift reaction from Taiwan’s highest offices. President Lai Ching-te, who had previously celebrated Lin as “Taiwan’s daughter” following her Olympic victory, has been joined by Premier Cho Jung-tai in pledging government support to protect Lin’s future competition rights.
