JK Rowling, the celebrated author and advocate for women’s rights, has lambasted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for permitting a biological male to compete in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics. Angela Carini, who fought against Imane Khelif, had to concede due to the latter’s superior strength and forceful head punches.
Rowling took to social media, particularly X, to voice her outrage. Sharing video clips of the bout, she wrote, “Watch this (whole thread), then explain why you’re OK with a man beating a woman in public for your entertainment. This isn’t sport.” She accused the IOC and those defending Khelif of enabling men to dominate women in sports.
Khelif, who has XY chromosomes, was previously barred from competing at the Delhi world championships after failing a sex test. Despite these findings, the IOC allowed Khelif to participate in the Olympics. Reports indicate that Khelif may have a disorder of sex development (DSD), adding complexity to the situation.
Rowling quoted Telegraph writer Suzanne Moore, emphasizing that while DSD individuals cannot control their biology, they can choose not to compete in women’s sports. “They can choose not to cheat; they can choose not to take medals from women; they can choose not to cause injury,” Rowling stated.
Rowling also backed the “#IStandWithAngelaCarini” campaign initiated by athlete Riley Gaines and criticized IOC Safe Sport Unit head Kirsty Burrows. “A young female boxer has just had everything she’s worked and trained for snatched away because you allowed a male to get in the ring with her,” Rowling said. “You’re a disgrace, your ‘safeguarding’ is a joke and #Paris24 will be forever tarnished by the brutal injustice done to Carini.”
British Olympic medalist Sharron Davies added her voice to the criticism, pointing out the inherent unfairness and danger of allowing chromosomally male athletes to compete against females. “Testosterone levels are an utter red herring in all of this,” she said, noting the biological advantages these athletes possess.
Carini, who was visibly distressed and injured after the match, expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s not fair.” The debate over the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports continues, with significant implications for the future of competitive fairness and safety in athletics.
