TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese gold medalist Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s attacks on Saturday (Aug. 17) regarding her gender and eligibility to compete in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump attacked Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) and Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who became the subject of global controversy after false accusations about their gender. Trump falsely labeled the two female boxers as men and pledged to keep men out of women’s sports.
“They were men. They transitioned to women, and they were in the boxing,” Trump claimed.
When responding to reporters about Trump’s comments, Lin said she had not seen the news and downplayed Trump’s allegations, according to CNA. She said Taiwan is “a friendly society that can tolerate different voices,” adding, “Each of us can have a different appearance, so of course we can also have different voices.”
Lin and Khelif were disqualified from the women’s world boxing championships in 2023 for failing a gender eligibility test administered by the International Boxing Association (IBA). That same year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stopped recognizing the IBA due to concerns about its governance, finances, and ethics.
The IBA eligibility tests were described as “unspecified and not transparent,” and the testing process was “arbitrary,” according to the IOC.
During the games, the IOC repeatedly defended the two boxers. IOC President Thomas Bach asserted that Lin and Khelif were born and raised as women, as confirmed by their passports, and had not faced gender accusations until now.
“We will not take part in a politically motivated … cultural war,” Bach said. “What is going on… in the social media with all this hate speech, with this aggression and abuse… is totally unacceptable.”
Besides Trump, Lin also faced gender accusations from other high-profile individuals, including J.K. Rowling. The British author condemned the Paris Olympics on social media for allowing what she claimed were “transgender men” to compete in women’s boxing.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Lin remained unshaken during the games, stating that she had “nothing to hide.” In a show of good spirit on Sunday (Aug. 18), Lin thanked Rowling for “letting everyone get to know me.”
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised Lin for her grace and resilience, calling the attacks “malicious.” He stated, “On behalf of the people, I would like to thank Lin Yu-ting. Your achievements in the boxing ring are remarkable, but it is your grace and high standards off the ring that have truly won the admiration and respect of the people.”
Khelif, who faced threats and abuse following the accusations, spoke out against the bullying, stating that it has the potential to ruin lives. She filed an online harassment lawsuit this month, which could include false statements made by Trump, Rowling, Elon Musk, and other figures as part of the investigation.
Lin Yu-ting said she has declined to take legal action over the accusations. In a public statement on Aug. 12, Lin said her gold medal speaks for itself and that she has nothing to prove to her accusers.
