2024 Paris Olympic Games: Controversy and Success for Female Boxers with Hyperandrogenism
August 9, 2024, 3:28 PM
The presence of female boxers with hyperandrogenism sparked controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but both athletes were ultimately approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif defeated Hungarian Lucca Anna today and secured a medal in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This achievement is remarkable considering the controversy surrounding Khelif due to her hyperandrogenism, which means she has a higher amount of testosterone than the average woman. She reached the semi-final in the 66-kilogram category.
The controversy intensified after Khelif’s rival, Angela Carini, retired after 46 seconds of their fight, citing a harsh punishment.
What is hyperandrogenism and why is it controversial?
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by high levels of male hormones in the body. When people produce an excess of these androgens, such as testosterone, it is called hyperandrogenism. This condition affects approximately five percent of women.
In women, hyperandrogenism can manifest through excessive hair growth in typically male-patterned areas, alopecia, more pronounced muscle development and menstrual cycle disorders.
While artificially increasing testosterone is prohibited in sports due to its performance-enhancing qualities, hyperandrogenism is a natural occurrence in some women, leading to controversy in the sporting world.
Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee allowed both Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan to participate in the boxing qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Games.