TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 57-kilogram division at the Paris Olympics on Friday (Aug. 2), defeating Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan by a decisive 5-0 score.
Lin launched attacks against Turdibekova throughout the fight. Her counterpunches repeatedly landed to score points, giving her the upper hand in all three rounds.
At the previous Tokyo Olympics, Lin, who is known as “Taiwan’s female boxing champion” and considered a medal contender, was eliminated in the first round. Lin’s coach Tseng Tzu-chiang (曾自強) confirmed this was Lin’s first Olympic victory, per CNA.
However, just two days before the competition Lin was dragged into a gender controversy. This was despite winning gold in the women's 57-kilogram at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, per Paris 2024.
More than 50 reporters waited for Lin in the press area after the bout. Even so, she declined interviews to focus on training.
Lin’s coach Tseng said Friday that her performance seemed to be unaffected by the controversy. “We've discussed this issue many times,” Tseng said.
"We respect the opinions of any media but we have been recognized to participate in the Olympics,” Tseng pointed out. He said that Lin has turned off all her social media platforms.
Tseng said he felt heartache over Lin’s recent trials. He urged the public to focus on her outstanding performance.
