Taiwan boxer Lin considered 'graceful exit' after Paris Games gold
TAIPEI: Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting told AFP she considered retiring after winning gold at the Paris Olympics but wanted to carry on fighting in part to defy those who questioned her eligibility.
Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, a two-time world champion, has been considering retiring after winning gold at the Paris Olympics, but ultimately decided to continue fighting. The decision was partly motivated by a desire to challenge those who questioned her eligibility in the first place. Lin and her opponent Imane Khelif of Algeria faced controversy at the 2024 Games, with Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and J.K.
Rowling among those criticizing their eligibility. Initially, both boxers were disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted them to compete in Paris, deeming them victims of an arbitrary decision by the IBA.
Lin expressed mixed emotions about retiring after achieving everything she had worked towards. She stated that it seemed like a good moment to make a graceful exit. The 30-year-old also considered the impact her retirement might have on her team and her own desire to see how far her abilities could go. Lin is now focused on the Asian Games in Japan, which start on September 19, where she plans to compete in the 60kg category.
She believes that stepping up to a new weight class is a fresh challenge and milestone in her career. Lin's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, determination, and the support of her coach, Tseng Tzu-chiang, who has been with her since she was 13 years old.
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