Taiwanese Olympic champion Lin Yu-ting has claimed gold in her first competition since the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending a challenging period marked by gender-related controversy.

Lin, alongside Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, became the center of a media storm in Paris when they won Olympic titles in separate weight classes, facing social media attacks, rumors about their biological sex, and disinformation campaigns.

“It was good. We just did the preparations we were supposed to do,” said Lin’s coach Tseng Tzu-chiang, confirming the 60kg gold medal at Taiwan’s National Games on Wednesday was her first official event since the Olympics.

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Eligibility and Testing Issues

Lin had intended to compete in the World Championships in Liverpool in September and agreed to undergo a compulsory genetic sex test as required by World Boxing’s new policy. Fighters over 18 in the women’s category must provide a PCR or medical equivalent genetic test.

Despite submitting her results, Lin had not received confirmation from World Boxing, leaving her future international participation uncertain. Under the new rules, twelve boxers, including France’s five-member women’s team, were barred from competing after missing the submission deadline.

Both Lin and Khelif were excluded from the IBA’s 2023 World Championships for failing eligibility tests, though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened during the Paris Games, affirming their right to compete. Both ultimately won Olympic gold medals.

“They were born and raised as women, and have passports attesting to that,” the IOC stated, defending the athletes against misinformation.

Lin’s victory at the National Games represents a triumphant return to competition amid ongoing disputes over gender policies in boxing.