Navigating Intersex Athletes in Sports: A Complicated Matter
- By Tim Schulze
- 4 Min
Sports Gender Classification: Controversies Surrounding the Determination of Participant's Sex - Contentious Handling of Gender in Sports Competitions
The situation surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is causing a stir in the sporting world, and the debate isn't limited to boxing. It's about the fundamentals: How to manage intersex athletes like Khelif, who identify as female, yet have a physique similar to a male?
The controversy has resurfaced due to Khelif, a 26-year-old Olympic champion, being barred from a boxing tournament in the Netherlands. The tournament organizers, World Boxing, implemented new gender tests, which Khelif has yet to undergo.
The decision wasn't universally welcomed. "The decision to exclude Imane wasn't ours; we regret it," commented Dirk Renders, the media director of the tournament, according to the Associated Press. Eindhoven's mayor, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, echoed similar sentiments in a letter to the Dutch and international boxing federations, advocating for Khelif's inclusion in the event.
Digital Hostility towards Imane Khelif
Last year, Khelif faced similar circumstances, but was allowed to compete in the Olympics. Then-IOC President Thomas Bach was responsible for the Olympic boxing, not a recognized IOC federation. Bach asserted that the gender listed in one's passport was decisive: "She was born a woman, grew up as a woman, has a passport as a woman, and has competed as a woman in competitions." Khelif herself identifies as female but is not transgender.
Bach defended the participation of both Khelif and Lin-yu ting from Taiwan due to intense online harassment. The online onslaught was led by influential figures like J.K. Rowling ("a man who hits women") and Elon Musk. The argument was fueled by Italian boxer Angela Carini, who gave up against Khelif in the first round of the Paris tournament within 46 seconds and refused to shake hands. In the aftermath, accusations were traded from both sides of the debate. Carini later apologized and defended her opponent against malicious remarks, stating it was all a misunderstanding.
Interestingly, the International Boxing Association (IBA) had initially been responsible for the Olympic tournament but was suspended by the IOC in 2019 due to multiple scandals. Consequently, the IOC assumed control of the boxing tournaments in Tokyo and Paris. If the IBA had been in charge of Paris, no controversy would have arisen, as Khelif had been excluded from the 2023 World Championships following a gender test. However, the IOC took a different stance and permitted Khelif to compete, despite the IBA sharing the test results with the IOC.
Gender Tests and the 2028 Olympics
Now, World Boxing is responsible for the Olympic boxing. The introduction of gender tests by this young organization founded in 2023 is a slap in the face to the IOC, whose opinion contradicts that of World Boxing. As of now, Khelif won't participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Intersex Athletes: The Need for Regulations and Best Practices
Currently, there are few regulations regarding intersex athletes. Apart from World Boxing, only the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) conducts tests. If the level of testosterone in the body exceeds 5 nmol/L, female athletes are disqualified. The most prominent case involves South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, whose testosterone levels surpassed the limit but refused to lower them through medication. As a result, she was barred from competitions held on her home turf.
The IAAF rule only applies to middle-distance events because muscle power and a larger red blood cell count are more influential there, according to the IAAF. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in this case with a 2:1 majority that, while Semenya's view that discrimination was occurring was upheld, it was "necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to protect the integrity of women's athletics."
The tests, however, are not conclusive. World Boxing, on the other hand, searches for the male Y-chromosome. If detected, athletes are banned, as is the case with Imane Khelif. Moreover, no mention of gender or hormone tests is found in other federations or sports.
But how reliable are these investigations? A major challenge is that intersex individuals appear in 80 different forms and expressions. "There is no such thing as the intersex person," explained sociologist Dr. Dennis Kraemer on "Sportschau." "The term intersex describes people with biological variations in sexual development, and they are incredibly diverse and heterogeneous." Questions about the role of talent, training, external conditions, and socio-cultural conditions are not addressed by these tests. The debate will continue.
Best Practices
- Inclusivity and Fairness: Balancing inclusivity with fairness is crucial. This generally involves working with athletes on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet criteria aligned with their competition category.
- Medical and Scientific Guidance: Seeking expert panels' advice and guidance on assessing eligibility criteria based on the latest scientific research is essential.
- Education and Awareness: Educating athletes, coaches, and officials about regulations and the importance of inclusivity can help foster a supportive environment.
Despite progress towards inclusivity, regulations for intersex athletes remain complex and are subject to change based on legal, ethical, and scientific advancements.
- I'm not sure about the future regulations for intersex athletes like Khelif, but it seems crucial that sports organizations strive to balance inclusivity with fairness in their policies.
- As the conversation around intersex athletes in sports continues, it would be beneficial for organizations to seek medical and scientific guidance to make informed decisions and ensure a supportive environment for all athletes.
