Thoughts on these Olympics

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Without wanting to get too jingoistic about it, I am in awe of Australia’s Olympic efforts so far. Third in the gold medal count as of today, with a population of only 26 mil. Added to that is the fact that at most summer Olympics, including these, we are competing out of season (it being winter here).

And I don’t think we are finished yet. I am certain there are more medals to come.

Of course, it isn’t entirely just about medals. There have been some magic moments at these games, as there always are, featuring athletes from all corners of the globe showing the true spirit of sportsmanship, where no medal or reward is on offer. Well done, France. Well done Olympians, from wherever you hail.

There are also always controversies. These Olympics, the main one is on female boxing.

My own observations:

The Italian boxer quit and used the gender issue as an excuse. If she had not quit and used that excuse (which she later apologized for)., the issue would not have arisen to the extent that it has.

The two boxers in question are female. Were born and registered as female. But biology is not always black and white. They were born with DSD – which stands for differences in sexual development. It can involve genes, hormones and reproductive organs. It has nothing to do with gender. But could any raised levels of testosterone give them an advantage? Yes. And it is a problem that will prove very stubborn in resisting resolution.

This is because the two issues in this case, cannot both be resolved – only one of them can. The two issues are “inclusion” and “fairness”. One international body governing boxing has fallen on the side of “fairness” by banning those boxers, the IOC has fallen on the side of “inclusion”.

It should be noted that physical advantages happen in all sports. Tall people in basketball is one obvious example. In this case, however, the advantage (if it exists) could cause physical harm. But the fact that both boxers in question have been beaten multiple times in the past by other females also needs to also be considered.

Bottom line: the issue is not going away any time soon. Especially when it is being used as a political issue to whip up manufactured outrage.