'Gender Controversy' Boxer Lin Yuting Secures Bronze Medal... Opponent Raises Both Hands in 'X' Protest [Paris Olympics]

Bulgarian Player Shows X Gesture
"Appears to Represent XX Chromosome Indicating Female"

At the center of the gender controversy in women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lin Yuting (28, Taiwan) secured a bronze medal, prompting a Bulgarian athlete who lost the match to protest by making an 'X' sign with her fingers.

On the 4th (local time), Lin Yuting defeated Bulgaria's Svetlana Kamenova Staneva 5-0 (30-27 30-27 29-28 29-28 30-27) by decision in the women's 57kg quarterfinals held at the North Paris Arena in Paris, France, advancing to the semifinals. Olympic boxing awards bronze medals to both athletes who lose in the semifinals without a bronze medal match. As a result, Lin Yuting ascended the podium.

Lin Yuting (left), who advanced to the semifinals. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

After the match, Staneva, who did not leave the ring, crossed her two index fingers to form an 'X' shape. Foreign media including the British Guardian speculated, "Staneva did not answer questions from the press about what this gesture meant," and suggested it was likely referring to the XX chromosomes representing females.

Borislav Georgiev, the coach of Staneva, said in an interview with the media, "I am not a medical professional who can comment on Lin Yuting's eligibility. However, if Lin Yuting has XY chromosomes (male chromosomes), she should not be here."

Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, Lin Yuting's opponent, is making an X sign with her fingers.
[Image source=Eurosports]

Imane Khalif (26, Algeria), who is also embroiled in the gender controversy along with Lin Yuting, has also advanced to the semifinals and secured a bronze medal. However, the controversy surrounding the two athletes continues. They were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the World Championships held last year in New Delhi, India. At that time, IBA President Umar Kremlev stated in a media interview, "Khalif and Lin Yuting have XY chromosomes."

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed Khalif and Lin Yuting to participate in the Paris Games, stating that they had legitimately qualified for the Olympics. The gender controversy surrounding the two athletes continues.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said, "Both athletes were born female, raised female, and are listed as female on their passports," adding, "They have competed as women for a long time and can clearly be defined as female athletes." He continued, "I hope these women are respected as women and as human beings," emphasizing, "Every woman has the human right to participate in women's competitions."

Meanwhile, Lin Yuting said after the match, "I disconnected from social media and contacts around me for this tournament," and added, "I know that all Taiwanese people support me from behind."