Op-Ed: "Too Aggressive" or "Too Feminine", Women in Combat Sports

Design with Microsoft

Combat sports, such as boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling, have long been dominated by men. This dominance has led to the development of strong gender stereotypes and traditional roles, which often paint these sports as inherently masculine.

As a result, female athletes in these fields face a unique set of challenges and criticisms, primarily due to societal expectations and entrenched gender norms. For women of color, the challenges are even more pronounced, as they often find themselves at the intersection of gender and racial discrimination.

In this article, we explore these stereotypes, highlighting the experiences of notable female athletes who have faced criticism for stepping into these traditionally male-dominated arenas. This bias is not only unfounded but also dismissive of the hard work and dedication that female athletes invest in their training and competition.

Race and Gender in Combat Sports

Combat sports are often associated with aggression, physical strength, and toughness—qualities traditionally ascribed to men. This perception creates a gendered barrier, suggesting that women who participate in these sports are either too aggressive or lack the necessary aggression.

Female athletes of color and from Global South, often face double/triple discrimination, being judged not only for their gender but also for their racial and ethnic backgrounds. This dual scrutiny can manifest in various ways—from biased media coverage and public criticism to the disproportionate application of gender verification tests.

Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting are the lastest examples.

Imane Khelif, a talented boxer from Algeria, has become a prominent figure in the Paris Olympics 2024. After her initial fight, where her Italian opponent abruptly quit just seconds into the bout, Khelif endured a barrage of hateful remarks and unfounded allegations about her gender. Khelif's muscular build and powerful presence in the ring have led to baseless accusations and insinuations about her gender.

A Taiwanese boxer, Lin Yu-Ting, competing in the Paris Olympics 2024, has also come under scrutiny due to groundless questions about her gender and eligibility to compete as a woman. After quarterfinal Olympics bout, Lin's opponent, Svetlana Staneva, continued the accusations by mocking Lin, making an "X" sign with her fingers in the ring. This gesture was intended to assert her identity as a woman with two X chromosomes, unlike Lin.

The criticisms directed at Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting are part of a broader pattern of policing the bodies and identities of female athletes of color.

They are disproportionately subjected to gender verification tests and false accusations of being male or transgender. It is not uncommon for female athletes, particularly those from non-Western backgrounds, where cultural differences in femininity are not often the same as Westernized notions of white femininity or standards of white beauty .

And the issue extends beyond boxing to other sports, where women of color are frequently marginalized, misrepresented, and unfairly judged. This discrimination can have severe consequences, including mental health impacts, reduced sponsorship opportunities, and even barriers to competition.

Final Thoughts:

The cases of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting highlight the persistent stereotypes and double standards that female athletes, particularly those of color and from developing countries, face in combat sports.

These athletes are not only fighting opponents in the ring but also battling societal biases and prejudices.

To create a more equitable sports environment, it is essential to challenge these stereotypes and support all athletes based on their skills and achievements, regardless of their gender or racial background. By doing so, we can move towards a more inclusive and respectful sports culture that celebrates diversity and talent.