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Unacceptable: IOC President Condemns Hate Speech Directed at Boxers

Unacceptable: IOC President Condemns Hate Speech Directed at Boxers

August 3, 2024

PARIS — IOC President Thomas Bach said Saturday the “hate speech” directed at boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting at the Paris Olympics is “totally unacceptable.”

“We will not take part in a politically motivated … cultural war,” Bach said at a news briefing

Khelif of Algeria and Lin of Taiwan have been subjected to days of global scrutiny about their gender. Both women were disqualified at the 2023 world championships.

The Russian-led International Boxing Association — which has been banished from the Olympics by the IOC in a yearslong dispute — removed them from the worlds 16 months ago in India citing gender-based tests that are still unspecified and unproven.

“We have two boxers who are born as women, who have been raised as women, who have a passport as a woman and have competed for many years as women,” Bach said. “Some want to own a definition of who is a women.”

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has spoken out against the recent wave of hate speech directed at boxers participating in the Olympics. In a statement released earlier this week, the IOC President condemned the hateful and discriminatory language used against these athletes, calling it unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of the Olympic Games.

The IOC President emphasized that the Olympics are a celebration of diversity and inclusion, where athletes from all backgrounds come together to compete on a level playing field. Hate speech directed at any athlete, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background, goes against the values of respect and fair play that are at the core of the Olympic movement.

The recent incidents of hate speech directed at boxers have sparked outrage and concern among athletes, officials, and fans alike. The IOC President urged all members of the Olympic community to stand together against hate speech and discrimination, and to promote a culture of respect and understanding both on and off the field of play.

In response to these incidents, the IOC has taken steps to address the issue, including working with national Olympic committees and sports federations to raise awareness about the importance of respecting all athletes and promoting a culture of inclusivity. The IOC has also called on social media platforms to take action against hate speech and harassment directed at athletes, and to ensure that their platforms are safe and welcoming spaces for all users.

As we continue to celebrate the achievements of athletes at the Olympics, it is important to remember that sports should be a unifying force that brings people together, not a platform for hate and discrimination. The IOC President’s condemnation of hate speech directed at boxers sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and that all athletes deserve to compete in a supportive and respectful environment. Let us all work together to uphold the values of the Olympic Games and ensure that the spirit of unity and sportsmanship prevails.