After the controversial Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in France, another piece of news is making waves all throughout the world — it is the Olympics allowing a biological man to fight in the women’s division of boxing. And we are seeing the devastating effect now!
Imane Khelif Vs Angela Carini
If you haven’t heard the news, let me tell you about it. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won her opening Olympic fight in Villepinte, France, after Italian opponent Angela Carini quit just 46 seconds into the bout due to severe nose pain.
Carini didn’t shake Khelif’s hand after the referee formally raised it, but she cried in the ring after sinking to her knees. Minutes later, still tearful, Carini explained that she quit due to the pain from the opening punches.
Carini, emotional and tearful, emphasized that her decision wasn’t politically motivated and was based on her physical inability to continue.
Carini broke her silence saying, “I put an end to the match because after the second blow, after years of experience in the ring and a life of fighting, I felt a strong pain in my nose. I said ‘that’s enough’ because… I could not bring the match to an end. So I thought, maybe it’s better to put an end to the match.”
The 25-year-old welterweight’s headgear became dislodged twice during the brief time she faced Khelif.
IBA vs IOC: Controversy surrounding the fight
So, what’s the big deal about this? Well, here it is: there’s a question about Imane Khelif’s sexuality. The controversy started in March 2023.
Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 championships just before her gold medal match due to gender eligibility concerns. IBA President Umar Kremlev explained to Russia’s TASS Agency that the disqualification was based on DNA tests that revealed some athletes attempting to compete as women despite having XY chromosomes.
“The tests confirmed that these athletes had XY chromosomes, leading to their exclusion from the competition,” Kremlev stated.
The Algerian Olympic Committee initially cited “medical reasons” for Khelif’s disqualification, while Algerian media, according to Reuters, reported that it was due to elevated testosterone levels.
In response, Khelif told Algerian Ennahar TV, “There are countries that did not want Algeria to win a gold medal. This is a conspiracy—a big conspiracy—and we will not remain silent about it.”
When Khelif qualified for the Paris Olympics, the debate over her gender was reignited. Mark Adams, spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee, tried to address the controversy, saying, “Everyone competing in the women’s category meets the competition eligibility rules. They are listed as female on their passports, and that’s what matters.”
Before Khelif’s match, the IBA issued a statement clarifying why she was disqualified. “On March 24, 2023, we disqualified both Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. This decision was based on their failure to meet our eligibility criteria for women’s competition,” the IBA said. They also mentioned that while the athletes didn’t undergo a testosterone examination, they were subject to a different recognized test, the details of which remain confidential. This test showed they had competitive advantages over other female competitors.
The IBA also noted that Khelif had undergone two tests—one in 2022 and another in 2023. Khelif appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but withdrew her appeal, making the IBA’s decision legally binding.
The IBA expressed frustration over what they see as inconsistent eligibility criteria across different sporting organizations, including the Olympics. They’re concerned about fairness and athlete safety, pointing out discrepancies between IBA and IOC regulations.
In response, the IOC defended its stance, asserting that Khelif met all eligibility requirements and criticizing the IBA for what they described as a sudden and arbitrary disqualification without due process.
Khelif was disqualified due to IBA eligibility rules that prevent athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events, Reuters reported.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for allowing Khelif to participate in the Games despite her having previously failed required health tests. However, IOC spokesman Mark Adams defended the decision, stating, “These boxers are entirely eligible – they are women on their passports. It’s not helpful to start stigmatizing people like this. We all have a responsibility not to turn it into some kind of witch-hunt.”
Let’s break this down. When a biological male competes in an event designed for women, inherent physical advantages are almost always present, even if testosterone levels are controlled.
Is Imane Khelif a man or a woman?
This question is more than just a matter of curiosity—it’s central to a heated debate in the world of sports.
Some reports claim that Imane is a biological woman dealing with elevated testosterone levels. Others suggest that she has been identified with XY chromosomes, which would traditionally indicate male biology. The IBA has kept the details of her medical assessment confidential, adding to the confusion.
So, who is Imane Khelif really? While I can’t provide a definitive answer, what’s clear is that this issue demands further scrutiny. If Imane is indeed a biological woman, she deserves to have her name cleared and be protected from the unwarranted backlash she’s facing.
Conversely, if the evidence suggests otherwise, then we must advocate for fairness in women’s sports and ensure that all athletes compete on an equal playing field. This isn’t just about one individual; it’s about upholding the integrity of sports and respecting the hard work and dedication of all female athletes.
Understanding the Physical Differences
In an article released by Alliance Defending Freedom, they explained, “Even if male athletes are receiving androgen inhibitors and cross-sex hormones, it will not reverse the distinct advantage males have over females.”
Biological males typically develop traits that provide significant athletic advantages. These include increased muscle mass and strength, higher bone density, a greater number of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which contribute to explosive power), and a higher red blood cell and oxygen-carrying capacity. Transitioning and reducing testosterone levels for 12 months doesn’t erase these advantages; many of these traits are permanent.
Why Men Should Not Compete in Women’s Sports
Now, you might ask, “What’s the big deal?” After all, isn’t our culture telling us that everyone can be anyone? If you want to be a man even if you’re a woman, then be a man. If you want to marry someone of the same gender, go for it! The mantra we constantly hear is: “Whatever makes you happy, follow it.” Some people take that advice seriously, and now we see men competing in women’s sports.
It’s crucial to understand why this is problematic. Here are five important reasons why men don’t belong in women’s sports:
1. Unfair Advantage
Men and women are not physically equal, and acknowledging this is not sexist—it’s a fact. Denying this reality is either ignorance or willful deception. Even the Bible refers to women as the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7), emphasizing the natural strength differences. This is why we have separate divisions for men and women in sports.
2. Safety Concerns
Allowing men to compete in women’s sports, especially contact sports like boxing, is dangerous. The physical differences mean that male competitors can overpower women, putting female athletes at serious risk of injury or worse.
3. Disrespect to Female Athletes
Consider the emotional and physical investment of female athletes. They’ve trained for years, sacrificing much to compete at the highest levels. When they face competitors with inherent biological advantages, it undermines their hard work and dedication. It’s disheartening for women who have to work harder to compete on an uneven playing field.
4. Double Standards
Many advocates of gender equality and feminist movements are strangely silent when biological males compete in women’s sports. This silence is troubling because it highlights a double standard. True gender equality means protecting the integrity of women’s sports and ensuring that female athletes compete on a fair and level playing field.
5. Preserving the Integrity of Women’s Sports
Allowing men to compete in women’s sports can undermine the very essence of women’s athletics. Women’s sports were created to provide female athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and compete fairly. Introducing biological males into this arena can erode the trust and respect that fans and athletes have for these sports. It can lead to diminished viewership and support, as the perceived fairness and excitement of the competition are compromised. Ensuring that women’s sports remain exclusively for biological females helps maintain their unique value and significance in the world of athletics.
The Bigger Picture
The debate over men competing in women’s sports isn’t just about fairness—it’s about maintaining the integrity of sports and ensuring that all athletes have an equal opportunity to succeed. By recognizing and respecting the biological differences between men and women, we uphold the values of fair competition and honor the hard work and dedication of female athletes.
Moreover, this issue reflects a deeper societal trend that resonates with the biblical observation from Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
In today’s world, we’re often confronted with situations where fundamental truths are distorted, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports is an example of this confusion, where the pursuit of inclusivity sometimes overshadows the importance of fairness and safety.
Let’s stand for true equality and ensure that women’s sports remain a place where women can compete and excel without facing unfair disadvantages. By doing so, we not only protect the integrity of athletics but also uphold the timeless principles of justice and righteousness.
Support Our Work
Support us by joining the Becoming Christians Membership program! As a member, you’ll receive daily inspiring devotionals, insightful articles, and impactful videos. Sign up today and grow in your faith with us!
Such an educational and enlightening article. Spot- on! Keep up the good work as you spread the Word of God through practical examples. God bless your ministry !
Thanks Jules! Please help in sharing this article to your friends and family. We need to stop this madness.