Boxing world champion Imane Khelif challenges World Boxing's genetic sex verification rule
In a surprising turn of events, Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif has filed an appeal against a World Boxing decision that bars her from participating in upcoming events unless she undergoes genetic sex testing.
The appeal was made at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month, following World Boxing's announcement of mandatory sex testing for all athletes. Imane Khelif, who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year, intends to defend her welterweight gold medal at the LA Games.
The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif began when World Boxing specifically mentioned her name in relation to the sex testing policy. This move was later apologised for by World Boxing, who acknowledged the mistake and apologised for any distress caused.
Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting, another gold medal winner from the Paris Olympics, was also involved in a similar controversy. Under the sex eligibility rules used in previous Olympics, both Khelif and Lin were eligible to compete.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified both Khelif and Lin from its 2023 world championships due to unspecified eligibility tests. The IBA was banished because of decades of misdeeds and controversy, and the Olympic boxing tournaments for the past two Olympics were run by the IOC instead.
The new IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, has initiated a task force to address gender eligibility issues in sports. This move comes as a response to the growing controversy surrounding the sex testing policies in sports.
World Boxing has been provisionally approved as the boxing organizer for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Despite the ongoing controversy, it remains to be seen how the CAS will rule on Imane Khelif's appeal and whether she will be able to defend her title at the LA Games.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time a high-profile athlete has been involved in a gender eligibility controversy. In the 1970s, tennis player RenΓ©e Richards faced similar challenges and was able to compete in the US Open after a lengthy legal battle.
As the case unfolds, Imane Khelif and her legal team will be hoping for a favourable outcome that allows her to compete in the upcoming events and defend her Olympic title.
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