Lin Yu-ting returns to international competition after 19 months, wins bronze; first time speaking out: 'The ring felt strange'
Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, faced a 19-month suspension from competition due to unclear gender testing regulations by the World Boxing Federation. With the coordination of the Chinese Taipei Boxing Association, she was finally allowed to participate in the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she won a bronze medal in her return to international competition.
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- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 14:36
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"Taiwan's Daughter" Lin Yu-ting gloriously won gold in women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first person in Taiwan's history to do so. Unexpectedly, at the end of that year, she decided to withdraw from the World Boxing (WB) year-end competition due to unclear new gender testing regulations, which began a predicament of 19 months without any matches.
Fortunately, after continuous coordination and appeals by the Chinese Taipei Boxing Association, she was finally granted permission on March 19 this year to participate in the Asian Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This marked Lin Yu-ting's return to international competition after 19 months.
In an interview with the Central News Agency, she revealed her feelings for the first time: "When I first arrived in Mongolia, the competition ring truly felt strange. Plus, I knew my weight control wasn't ideal, and it was a new weight class, so I felt nervous before the competition."
Lin Yu-ting stated that 19 months without competition is a difficult ordeal for any elite athlete. Training for so long without actual combat means not knowing what areas need adjustment or improvement.
"It was a bit like when the global competitions were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but back then, it was clear that there were no matches due to the pandemic. However, during this period, I knew there were competitions, but I couldn't participate, which felt even more agonizing."
She also recalled, "When I found out I could participate in the Asian Championships, I was eating in the National Sports Training Center's cafeteria. I thought I shouldn't show too much emotion to avoid disturbing others' meals, but my physical therapist actually burst into tears of joy, which made me cry along with her."
Returning to competition after 19 months, Lin Yu-ting stopped at the semifinals of the Asian Championships, winning a bronze medal. She emphasized: "I didn't really care too much about the results; instead, I was more concerned about not performing well on the field and not implementing my strategies and tactics. It was my first time competing in the 60 kg class with many new faces, but losing in the semifinals was a big warning sign for me."
Recalling the twists and turns and challenges of the past 19 months, Lin Yu-ting responded with full positive energy: "My life is like a boxing match; I will constantly encounter various difficulties and challenges, but as long as I stand in the ring and am not knocked down, there will always be a chance to turn the tide and win." (Edited by: Chang Ming-kun) 1150407
Fortunately, after continuous coordination and appeals by the Chinese Taipei Boxing Association, she was finally granted permission on March 19 this year to participate in the Asian Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This marked Lin Yu-ting's return to international competition after 19 months.
In an interview with the Central News Agency, she revealed her feelings for the first time: "When I first arrived in Mongolia, the competition ring truly felt strange. Plus, I knew my weight control wasn't ideal, and it was a new weight class, so I felt nervous before the competition."
Lin Yu-ting stated that 19 months without competition is a difficult ordeal for any elite athlete. Training for so long without actual combat means not knowing what areas need adjustment or improvement.
"It was a bit like when the global competitions were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but back then, it was clear that there were no matches due to the pandemic. However, during this period, I knew there were competitions, but I couldn't participate, which felt even more agonizing."
She also recalled, "When I found out I could participate in the Asian Championships, I was eating in the National Sports Training Center's cafeteria. I thought I shouldn't show too much emotion to avoid disturbing others' meals, but my physical therapist actually burst into tears of joy, which made me cry along with her."
Returning to competition after 19 months, Lin Yu-ting stopped at the semifinals of the Asian Championships, winning a bronze medal. She emphasized: "I didn't really care too much about the results; instead, I was more concerned about not performing well on the field and not implementing my strategies and tactics. It was my first time competing in the 60 kg class with many new faces, but losing in the semifinals was a big warning sign for me."
Recalling the twists and turns and challenges of the past 19 months, Lin Yu-ting responded with full positive energy: "My life is like a boxing match; I will constantly encounter various difficulties and challenges, but as long as I stand in the ring and am not knocked down, there will always be a chance to turn the tide and win." (Edited by: Chang Ming-kun) 1150407
FAQ
Why was Lin Yu-ting suspended from competition for 19 months?
Lin Yu-ting was suspended for 19 months because she decided to withdraw from competitions due to unclear gender testing regulations by the World Boxing Federation.
What achievement did Lin Yu-ting make upon her return to international competition?
Upon her return to international competition at the Asian Championships, Lin Yu-ting reached the semifinals and ultimately won a bronze medal.