Olympic boxing: where ideology clashed with reality

John-Edward Funnell  |  Comment
Date posted:  7 Aug 2024
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Olympic boxing: where ideology clashed with reality

The official slogan for the Olympics this year is 'Games Wide Open' - representing inclusivity and equality.

The running debate over transgenderism has revealed the obvious conflict between two ideologies that the Olympics are attempting to unite.

The controversy around boxer Imane Khelif has been one of the many at this year’s Paris Olympics. Viewers were horrified to see Italian hopeful Angelina Carini pull out of the fight in just 46 seconds to 'save her life.'

JK Rowling tweeted: 'Explain why you're OK with a man beating a woman in public for your entertainment.' However it was intended, this comment from such a public figure turned a single boxing match into a global debate about transgender issues.

What has become clear since is that many were incorrect in their assumption. Imane Khelif is not a transgender person. However, she does have very high levels of testosterone due to being born with DSD (Differences in Sex Development). This is a hugely complex issue and space forbids a detailed discussion here. Elsewhere on this website, Rebecca Chapman explores this matter in more depth.

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