Hergie Bacyadan believes athletes born with XY chromosomes should not be allowed to compete in the women's events. [PC: Instagram]

Trans boxer reportedly speaks out about gender controversy at Paris Olympics 2024, subsequently clarifies stance

Modified Aug 05, 2024 18:29 GMT

Hergie Bacyadan, a female boxer who identifies as a trans man, was alleged to have stated that any athlete born with XY chromosomes should not be allowed to compete in the women's competition. Bacyadan's reported comments came amid the gender controversy raging on at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The controversy began when news of two female boxers at the Summer Games failing gender eligibility tests last year went viral. Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting and Algeria's Imane Khelif were disqualified from the 2023 world championships for failing gender tests.

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that both athletes have complied with all rules and are therefore eligible to take part in women's boxing.

Bacyadan, who competes in the women's 75kg division but identifies as male outside the ring, has opined (using the help of translators) that athletes born with XY chromosomes should not be allowed to compete in women's competitions, according to a report by nine.com.au.

The 29-year-old also reportedly stated that anyone who had previously failed testosterone and gender-eligibility tests should be banned from competing in the women's events.

Every person normally has one pair of chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome is present in men, who have one X and one Y chromosome, while women have two X chromosomes.

Edit: Hergie Bacyadan has since put up a post on social media clarifying that they didn't suggest either Khelif or Lin should be banned from the Olympics. Bacyadan also said they hold Khelif and Lin "in the highest regard."

"I want to clarify and address the recent claims circulating on the internet regarding my involvement in the controversy about my two co-boxers," Bacyadan wrote. "To set the record straight, I have never made any statements suggesting that they should be banned from the Olympics. I hold them in the highest regard and would never wish any harm or misfortune upon them."

"Furthermore, I am fully aware that these two athletes are cisgender women," Bacyadan added. "I have met them personally, and they are unquestionably women, fully qualified and deserving of their place in the competition. The criticism they are receiving on social media is entirely unfounded and unjust. As a fellow athlete, I understand the pressures and judgments that come with the territory, but this level of unfounded scrutiny is unfair to them."

Hergie Bacyadan exits 2024 Paris Olympics in the Round of 16

Hergie Bacyadan (black) in action at the 2015 World Wushu Championships - Getty Images

Hergie Bacyadan's Paris Olympics campaign came to an end on Wednesday (July 31) following defeat to top Li Qian in the Round of 16 of the women's 75kg division. Li, who won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games, triumphed 30-27 at the North Paris Arena.

The Chinese boxer was too good for Bacyadan, as she sailed through to the quarterfinals with a shutout 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 victory. After the bout, Bacyadan said that inexperience was a major factor in the defeat.

“It’s really a bit disappointing because I was already here. We were matched up. It’s not that I were scared or that our opponent was top-ranked; I did everything we could to win the fight. But I still lack experience in boxing. No excuses, as they say—I lost, but I should still be happy,” Bacyadan stated. (via Rappler)

The Filipino boxer also apologized to their coaches for the result.

“I just told the coaches, ‘Sorry, coach, I did my best. We’re just not yet at that level where we can beat the high-ranking opponents'. But in terms of bravery, we have it. I was just trying to time my punches because she’s really good at counterpunching—that’s her game,” Bacyadan added.

Despite the result, Bacyadan said they are proud to be an Olympian officially.