JK Rowling has declared victory after the Olympics announced a ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s events – before taking a swipe at Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
Taking to social media, the legendary British author described the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision as a “welcome return to fair sport for women and girls”.
Ms Rowling attached an image of the boxer to the post.
The Algerian took home the gold medal despite having been disqualified from the previous year’s World Championships for allegedly failing to meet gender eligibility criteria.
Khelif has consistently denied being a biological male and has sought treatment to lower testosterone levels since the 2024 games.
The 26-year-old fighter has, however, opened the door to taking a sex test in order to compete in future events.
JK Rowling described the IOC’s decision as a ‘welcome return to fair sport for women and girls’
| GETTY
“Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions,” Khelif said.
“They should protect women, but they need to pay attention that while protecting women, they shouldn’t hurt other women.”
During the Paris games, the IOC asserted that “scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman” after the Algerian came under fire on social media.
But announcing the ban, the IOC said that its own research indicates that being born male confers physical advantages that are retained.
JK ROWLING – READ THE LATEST:
Imane Khelif won gold at the 2024 Olympics | PA
The document said: “Males experience three significant testosterone peaks: in utero, in mini-puberty of infancy and beginning in adolescent puberty through adulthood.”
It added that this gives males “individual sex-based performance advantages in sports and events that rely on strength, power and/or endurance.”
Meanwhile, IOC president Kirsty Coventry said: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.
Kirsty Coventry has repeatedly affirmed her desire to ‘protect the female category’ | GETTY
“At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat.
“So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, also an outspoken gender-critical campaigner, threw her support behind the new policy, saying: “At least now little girls who dream of Olympic medals will know that biological males can’t cheat their way onto their podium…or punch them relentlessly in the face and get a medal for it.
“Credit to Sharron Davies and Martina Navratilova, who spoke up despite attacks from those who should’ve known better.
“They spoke up when it was easier to stay quiet and paid the price in lost income and support.”
While Donald Trump congratulated the IOC, adding: “This is only happening because of my powerful executive order, standing up for women and girls.”
