Vinesh Phogat disqualification for Imane Khelif gender dispute: Five biggest controversies of Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics not only had impressive performances, but was also the scene of several conflicts and controversies. Some of them saw a change in the outcome, some saw medals being taken away, some saw athletes being sent home and some continued debates on social media and in the world media. From Vinesh Phogat to Imane Khelif, we take a look at the big Summer Games controversies as the Paris 2024 Olympics come to an end

Gender dispute surrounding Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting won gold in their respective categories, but not before widespread controversy. With both athletes containing XY chromosomes in their bodies, accusations of being “men” were rife across social media. Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships, but the IOC allowed them to compete.

Despite both being biologically born female, Khelif and Lin faced a barrage of incorrect accusations and criticism, before responding with gold medals each.

Vinesh Phogat disqualification

An event that will rock Indian sporting culture for some time to come, Vinesh Phogat’s incredible journey to the women’s 57kg wrestling final was cut short when she was disqualified before the final for being 100 grams overweight. Because she was under the weight limit on the first day – when she won all three fights – she was stripped of her medal and was not allowed to compete in the final.

Vinesh’s case is pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the verdict on whether she will receive the silver medal will be given soon.

Cocaine controversy for Tom Craig

Australian field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested for trying to buy cocaine in Paris, along with a 17-year-old salesman. However, he was released with a slap on the wrist; just a warning, no formal charges against him.

Although Craig apologized for the incident, he was removed from remaining hockey proceedings by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and barred from taking part in any further activities at Paris 2024.

Jordan Chiles loses bronze after CAS intervention

American gymnast Jordan Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, submitted a request to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to add 0.1 points to Chiles’ score. This query was initially accepted, promoting bronze-winning Chiles from fifth to third.

However, CAS intervention led to the decision that Landi’s investigation was 64 seconds over the allowed time and therefore stripped him of his medal.

The ‘expulsion’ of swimmer Luana Alonso

Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso was reportedly asked to leave the camp due to “inappropriate” behavior. However, Alonso later denied the reports, stating that she had not been removed. The swimmer – who failed to reach the semi-final of the women’s 100m butterfly – made fresh headlines when she claimed she received a ‘DM’ from Brazilian footballer Neymar.