Polish Boxer Could Still Win Olympic Gold as Opponent Awaits Hormone Test Results
Julia Szeremeta, a Polish boxer who won silver at the Paris Olympics, may still have a chance to upgrade her medal to gold depending on the results of her competitor's hormone tests. Szeremeta lost the gold medal fight in the 57-kilogram category to Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan.
The controversy surrounding Yu-Ting and Algeria's Imane Khelif, who were at the center of a media storm at the Paris Games due to questions about their genders, may resurface with the upcoming test results. Both boxers were disqualified from the 2023 IBA Boxing World Championships due to high testosterone levels, but were allowed to compete in the Olympics under the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) rules.
According to Szeremeta's coach, Tomasz Dylak, both Yu-Ting and Khelif were tested after their final fights, and the results of the hormone tests are expected in about three months. While Dylak is focusing on the future, he acknowledges that there is a possibility that the final results could change, potentially upgrading Szeremeta's medal to gold.
The outcome of the hormone tests, expected in early November at the earliest, will determine whether Szeremeta will be awarded the gold medal. The situation highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding gender verification in sports and the complexities of ensuring fair competition.
In summary, Julia Szeremeta's silver medal could be upgraded to gold if the hormone test results of her competitor, Lin Yu-Ting, indicate that she did not meet the required standards. The outcome of the tests will be closely watched, and the decision could have significant implications for the sport of boxing and the Olympic community.