While many are still wondering about Taiwan Olympic gold-medal boxer Lin Yu-ting’s withdrawal from an upcoming World Boxing event, the rationale for her team’s proactive move can’t be attributed to just one factor.
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Many will remember the hard-won efforts of Olympic Gold medalist Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷), who made history by bringing home Taiwan’s first gold medal in boxing. Her efforts were especially notable given that her competition in the sport was marred by baseless accusations from the International Boxing Association (IBA) about her not meeting gender eligibility requirements.
The hope had been that with her victory, and having received the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), she would be able to continue competing without further controversy.
However, on a recent trip to the UK to prepare for the newly established World Boxing’s year-end event, the specter of gender politics and bullying appeared again. According to her coach Tseng Tzu-chiang (曾自強), both he and Lin were frustrated when the World Boxing Association (WBA)– who had agreed to follow the example of the IOC– delayed their response over her eligibility.
Lin and her team were prompt with all the relevant paperwork, including medical tests and inspection reports. The WBA even turned down an offer for Lin to go through with yet another medical check on-sight. As they were still unable to get a response, after communicating with Lin, her coach reluctantly withdrew Lin from the match.
Sports Administration Director-General Cheng Shih-chung (鄭世忠) weighed in, saying that the group was not accusing the WBA of suppression. However, since the WBA is a new organization they don’t have clear rules and policies in place to protect the rights of athletes. Unlike the IOC, they are just not ready yet.
The decision to withdraw was also made in part, as a matter of dignity. Why should Lin Yu-ting be competing for the honor of Taiwan if she is not treated with the honor and respect she deserves?
Amanda Stephens, for RTI news