Imane Khelif, Lin Yu Ting, and Fairness in Boxing

I asked an expert what the rule should be

I recently had the privilege of talking to Dr. Joanna Harper on my podcast about the Olympic boxing controversy. Harper has worked with several major sports-governing bodies concerning eligibility policy for transgender and intersex athletes.

Here are the key points of the interview.

First, it is unclear if the athletes have a difference in sex development (DSD) or if they do, which DSD they have. Almost no one giving an opinion on this subject has access to these boxers’ medical records.

Second, these boxers might have an athletic advantage, depending on the DSD. Harper states that male puberty gives a significant athletic advantage, so if they had a DSD that allowed them to experience male puberty, they would have that advantage.

Third, different sports organizations have taken different approaches to DSD athletes. World Athletics restricts testosterone levels while FIFA has stated they will make rules on a case-by-case basis but has not disqualified any DSD athlete.

Fourth, if Harper were in charge, she would test the boxers to determine if or which DSD they had. If they had a DSD that gave them an unfair advantage stemming from male puberty, she would require them to reduce their testosterone levels to female-typical values. She believes this is justified based on safety reasons.

Fifth, there has been a large amount of bullying directed at these athletes. This is unfortunate and unjustified. Hate should have no place.

Click below to watch the full interview.

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