Rowing legend Matthew Pinsent, in a recent interview on the BBC, expressed his belief that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to blame for the controversy surrounding the boxing gender row at the Olympic Games. The issue arose when Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif, who were previously deemed ineligible for the female category by the International Boxing Association, went on to win gold medals in the boxing competition. This decision led to criticism of the IOC’s handling of the situation.
Pinsent highlighted the challenges that a new IOC president will face, especially in light of the recent headlines about boxing. He pointed out that the IOC had intervened in the sport by making rules for the Olympics and determining the inclusion of athletes in the boxing competition, which ultimately backfired. This lack of equity and inclusion has created controversy that the IOC will need to address moving forward.
In response to IOC president Thomas Bach’s announcement that he will be stepping down next year, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe expressed his consideration of running for the position. Coe emphasized the importance of preserving the female category in athletics, especially with the implementation of new rules regarding athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) and transgender women.
Pinsent also raised concerns about the potential inclusion of Esports in the Olympic programme, along with new sports such as cricket, squash, flag football, and beach sprints in the future. While he acknowledged the success and expansion of the Olympics, he emphasized that the new president will have a challenging task ahead in addressing these evolving issues.
Overall, the IOC’s handling of the boxing gender row has brought attention to the need for greater transparency, equity, and inclusion in the Olympic Games. As the organization looks to move forward under new leadership, there will be a continued focus on addressing controversies, expanding the range of sports, and ensuring fair competition for all athletes.