Paris, August 4, 2024 – Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan has secured a medal at the Paris Olympics, defeating Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva by unanimous decision in the featherweight quarter-final. This victory guarantees Taiwan its third boxing medal of the Games.
Controversy and Support:
Lin’s achievement comes amidst a storm of controversy surrounding gender eligibility in boxing. Both Lin and Algeria’s Imane Khelif faced disqualification during the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility concerns raised by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since deemed these tests illegitimate and criticized the IBA’s process.
“I know all of Taiwan’s people are standing behind me and supporting me, and I will carry this energy to the end,” Lin stated after her win. Despite receiving numerous supportive messages, Lin chose to shut down her social media accounts to avoid the surrounding controversy.
IOC’s Position:
The IOC, which is overseeing the boxing tournament due to governance issues with the IBA, has denounced the IBA’s tests as lacking legitimacy. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated that the tests were flawed and not credible.
The Bulgarian Olympic Committee had previously raised concerns about the participation of Lin and Khelif at a meeting with the IOC’s Medical and Scientific Commission.
Match Analysis:
In the quarter-final bout, Lin initially took a defensive stance, which led to her receiving several significant blows. However, she adjusted her strategy in the second round, becoming more aggressive. Despite an accidental trip in the final round, Lin maintained control and emerged victorious with a 3-0 lead.
Lin will face Turkey’s Esra Yildiz in the semi-finals on Wednesday, and is assured of at least a bronze medal. Her performance adds to the success of her compatriots Wu Shih-yi and Chen Nien-chin, who also medaled earlier in the Games.