A campaigner has claimed this has been a travesty and explained that the next Olympics must change the rules in boxing as the gender row rages on.
Imane Khelif of Algeria was disqualified from last year’s World Championships for failing agenda at eligibility tests but will have a chance at a gold medal in the women’s Olympic final.
Speaking to GB News, Executive director at Sex Matters Maya Forstater said: “It comes back to the IOC it’s the IOC that has stigmatised these boxers by not having clear, fair rules and enforcing them.
“It shouldn’t be playing out on social media like this it shouldn’t be playing out in the public eye.
Maya Forstater said it is unfair and a travesty
GB News
“There should be sex testing, which means a cheek swab, it’s easy, it’s not invasive and it does mean that male athletes will not be able to compete in the female category.”
She explained: “The rules they have are if your passport says female, we will consider you female, even if you have a male body and produce testosterone at male levels.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
She later added: “Boxing is a dangerous sport and a male boxer should not be fighting against women in the Olympics.
“It’s a travesty and it is dangerous. It’s unfair and unsafe.
“It’s put female athletes at risk and they can’t do this again.”
The criticism seems to have had an impact on the boxer, and according to her coach, she has been left hurt by the backlash she received for her gender.
Imane Khelif is arguably the most controversial athlete at the Paris OlympicsREUTERSMohamed Chaoua said: “Imane has been greatly affected by this situation. (She said) ‘Why me?’
“She has not surrendered to this campaign (of abuse). She has given them a lesson in ethics.”
Chaoua says Khelief deserves credit for her performances, instead of criticism, having once been ‘very thin’.
He added: “She is distinguished by her quick reaction compared to other competitors. She gave it her all.
Imane Khelif will compete in the final
REUTERS
“Imane surprised everyone. She used to be very thin before she developed the muscles that everybody is criticising now.”
Khelif has produced stunning displays out in France to silence her critics and boost her chances of winning a medal.
The 25-year-old insists people must refrain from bullying her, while also expressing concern for her family.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” she told SNTV.
Imane Khelif is arguably the most controversial athlete at the Paris OlympicsREUTERS
Post comments (0)