August 6th 2024.
Fans of boxing have been treated to an exhilarating week of action in the beautiful city of Paris. With the 2024 Olympics in full swing, viewers have been eagerly tuning in to catch all the excitement. And it's hard to miss the fact that male boxers have been competing without headguards while their female counterparts have been sporting the classic red and blue headgear.
Now, you may be wondering about the reason behind this noticeable difference. Is it a matter of preference or is there a specific health and safety concern? Don't worry, we've got you covered with all the information you need. Simply follow our live blog for updates on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
So, why exactly do women boxers wear headguards while male boxers don't? Well, it all comes down to the rules set by the Olympic Committee and the International Boxing Association. In the past, both male and female athletes were required to wear headgear in order to protect themselves from injuries, especially concussions. This decision was made after the tragic death of South Korean fighter Kim Duk-Koo in 1982.
However, things changed in 2016 when a study from the Global Sport Institute revealed that boxers who competed without headgear were less likely to suffer from concussions. This led to the IOC allowing male boxers to fight without head protection. But, since the study only focused on male boxers, the IOC decided to continue requiring female boxers to wear headgear as a precautionary measure.
In 2013, the Wall Street Journal reported that Dr. Charles Butler, who was then the chairman of the AIBA medical commission, stated that concussions were less of a concern for female fighters due to their physical strength. However, a recent report by Nature in 2021 revealed that female athletes are at a higher risk of experiencing traumatic brain injuries and often have a harder time recovering from concussions compared to their male counterparts.
With the rule change allowing male boxers to compete without headgear, a study published in 2017 showed a significant decrease in the number of stoppages due to head blows. This has been seen in male boxing, but it's important to note that all minors, schoolchildren, juniors, youth, and Senior Elite and Senior Development Females are still required to wear headgear.
So, there you have it – the reason behind the different headgear rules for male and female boxers. What are your thoughts on this topic? Share your views in the comments below.
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