IOC Chief Blames Russian Disinformation for Olympic Boxing Gender Row
IOC President Thomas Bach attributed the controversy surrounding two female boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics to a Russian disinformation campaign, dismissing it as a “fake news” crisis. The dispute, fueled by the IBA’s criticism of the IOC’s decision to allow the athletes’ participation, stemmed from the IBA’s prior ban based on a chromosome test—a decision Bach deemed irrelevant given the boxers’ long history of competing as women. Bach further emphasized the IOC’s lack of a universal transgender athlete policy, leaving it to individual federations. Finally, Bach expressed confidence in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics’ preparations, citing President Trump’s support and the potential reinstatement of boxing.
John Q. Hosedrinker