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Fifteen years after Caster Semenya's gender scrutiny at the Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces a similar ordeal at the Paris Games. Despite her impressive performance, Khelif has endured a barrage of threats and abuse due to misconceptions about her sex.In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif and Li Yu-ting of Taiwan from the World Championships, claiming they failed an eligibility test. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed the tests "irretrievably flawed" and permanently banned the IBA.IOC President Thomas Bach has condemned the criticism against Khelif and Li as "hate speech." He emphasized that both boxers are legally recognized as women and have competed as such for years.Khelif's journey to the Olympic final has been marked by dominance. She has not lost a single round and has showcased her exceptional skills. Her victory would not only secure a historic gold medal for Algeria but also serve as a powerful response to her detractors.Khelif's resilience and determination have earned her widespread admiration. Her story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes who do not conform to traditional gender norms.The IOC's support for Khelif and Li sends a clear message that discrimination and abuse based on gender identity will not be tolerated. Their presence at the Olympics is a testament to the progress being made towards inclusivity and equality in sports.

Henry Fieldman, a British rowing icon, has etched his name in Olympic history as the first athlete to secure medals in both men's and women's events. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Fieldman steered Great Britain's Women's Eight to a bronze medal, adding to his previous bronze in the men's event at the Tokyo Olympics.Fieldman's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional skill, versatility, and unwavering dedication. The path to this historic feat was paved by a rule change implemented by World Rowing after the 2016 Rio Olympics, allowing coxes of either gender to helm the eights, the only boats requiring coxes in Olympic regattas.Fieldman's rowing journey began with inspiration from a fellow rower. He earned his first Great Britain vest at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in 2006, competing in the coxed four. His steady progression led him through the under-23 team to the senior team and ultimately to the Olympic stage.At the 2023 European Championships in Bled, Fieldman showcased his adaptability by seamlessly transitioning between coxing the men's and women's eights. Despite limited training with the men's team, he guided them to a narrow victory over Romania. He then returned to cox the women's team to a silver medal behind the Romanian crew.Fieldman's Olympic debut came in Tokyo in 2020, where he coxed Great Britain's men's eight to a bronze medal. His impressive resume also includes two world championships in the men's coxed pair and numerous European championship medals. In 2023, he led the British men's eight to a gold medal while guiding the women's crew to silver.Fieldman's historic achievement has not only broken barriers but also inspired future generations of rowers. He hopes that his success will pave the way for more women's eights medals and greater achievements in the sport.

The modern Olympic Games have come a long way in terms of gender equality, with Paris 2024 setting a new benchmark as the most gender-equal Games ever. The journey to this milestone has been a gradual one, marked by significant milestones and the unwavering efforts of women athletes and advocates.When the Games were revived in 1896, women's participation was non-existent. It was not until the 1900 Paris Games that 22 women were reluctantly allowed to compete, representing a mere 2.2% of the total athletes. Paris again took the lead in 1924, with over 100 women participating, a significant increase from previous editions.The road to equality was not without its challenges. Athletics, one of the most popular disciplines, only permitted women to participate in 1928. The women's marathon event was not added until 1984. Other sports, such as swimming, fencing, and gymnastics, gradually welcomed women athletes from 1912, 1924, and 1928 respectively.The post-World War II era saw a steady increase in women's participation, reaching 34% in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in collaboration with International Federations and National Olympic Committees, has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports.Paris 2024 has not only achieved numerical equality but has also embraced its spirit. The Games will feature the mixed team race walking event and schedule the women's marathon as the final event, a symbolic gesture that highlights the progress made in women's sports.The journey to gender equality in the Olympics has been a testament to the determination and resilience of women athletes. From the pioneering women who broke barriers in the early 20th century to the current generation of Olympians, their contributions have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.