The recent controversy surrounding the participation of two female boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics has been dismissed as a “fake news campaign” by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. According to Bach, the issue was blown out of proportion by Russian fake news campaigns, and it had little to do with reality. The IOC had taken over the boxing competition at the Paris Games after stripping the International Boxing Association (IBA) of recognition due to its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance.
The IBA, which is run by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev with close links to the Kremlin, had accused the IOC of allowing two female athletes to compete despite being banned by the IBA following a chromosome test a year earlier. However, Bach emphasized that the two boxers in question had competed for years, including at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, without any issues. He stated that they were born as women, raised as women, and had always competed as women, making the dispute a non-issue.
It’s heartening to see the IOC standing up for the rights of transgender athletes and athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD). The IOC does not have a universal rule on the participation of such athletes, instead allowing each federation to draw up its own regulations. This approach recognizes the complexity of the issue and allows for a more nuanced and inclusive approach.
Bach’s comments are a welcome relief, especially in the face of discriminatory attitudes and policies that often target transgender athletes. By dismissing the controversy as a “fake news campaign,” Bach is sending a strong message that the IOC will not be swayed by misinformation and prejudice. Instead, the IOC is committed to promoting inclusivity and equality in sports, regardless of an athlete’s gender identity or expression.
The upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics also offer a chance for the IOC to build on this momentum. With the IOC’s provisional recognition of World Boxing as the new global body for the sport, there is hope that boxing will be included in the LA 2028 program. This would be a significant step forward for the sport and for the Olympic movement as a whole.
As we look to the future, it’s essential to recognize the importance of promoting inclusivity and equality in sports. By supporting organizations like the IOC and advocating for the rights of transgender athletes, we can create a more just and equitable sporting landscape. The recent controversy surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympics may have been manufactured, but it has highlighted the need for greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity in the world of sports.