Victory and validation for the Olympic champion
Lin Yu-ting not only won. He returned with authority. This Tuesday, at the Asian championships, Taiwan’s first Olympic boxing champion defeated Thailand’s Thananya Somnuek 5-0 in the round of 16.
A comfortable victory that assures her a quarterfinal duel against the Japanese favorite, Ayaka Taguchi. But this victory has a special flavor. It comes after overcoming a new obstacle outside the ring.
A requirement that changed the rules of the game
Less than two weeks ago, his participation was not assured. The reason was a new policy from the governing body, World Boxing. Since August, it requires all boxers to undergo a unique genetic test.
The test is designed to identify the presence of a Y chromosome.
World Boxing took over Olympic boxing last year and implemented this gender eligibility rule. Lin Yu-ting, 30, was one of the athletes who had to undergo it. And he approved it.
His victory in the ring is also confirmation outside of it. Demonstrates physical preparation and adaptation to new regulations. Now, with a place in the quarterfinals assured, his sights are on the Japanese Taguchi. The road to another medal has just begun with a firm step.
