Hergie Bacyadan has found himself at the center of an Olympic firestorm despite his exit from the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The controversy involves him and two other boxers over their “gender.”
Taiwanese featherweight Lin Yuting and Algerian middleweight Imane Khelif have faced accusations of being men competing in a women’s event.
Statements circulating on social media falsely claimed that Bacyadan condemned them, which he debunked on Monday.
“I want to clarify and address the recent claims circulating on the internet regarding my involvement in the controversy about my two co-boxers,” said the 29-year-old native of Kalinga.
“To set the record straight, I have never made any statements suggesting that they should be banned from the Olympics. I hold them in the highest regard and would never wish any harm or misfortune upon them.”
In fact, he is an acquaintance of the two and has been supporting them in their respective runs in France.
“Furthermore, I am fully aware that these two athletes are cisgender women. I have met them personally, and they are unquestionably women, fully qualified, and deserving of their place in the competition. The criticism they are receiving on social media is entirely unfounded and unjust,” she continued.
“As a fellow athlete, I understand the pressures and judgments that come with the territory, but this level of unfounded scrutiny is unfair to them.”
Regarding his own eligibility, Bacyadan clarified his status, stating he has adhered to every test set by the International Olympic Committee before competing in the Games.
“I want to emphasize that I have adhered to all Olympic requirements and am biologically a woman,” said Bacyadan, who lost to Li Qian in the first round of the middleweight tournament.
“Despite any misconceptions about my appearance or identity, my qualifications as a female boxer remain intact.”
