Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who recently clinched the gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has come under intense scrutiny regarding her gender. A leaked medical report has brought Khelif’s biological characteristics to light, raising questions about her eligibility to compete in female-only categories.
French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia revealed the document, which suggests Khelif has internal testicles, XY chromosomes, and a possible medical condition known as five-alpha reductase deficiency. The report, compiled in June 2023 by medical experts from the Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers, also notes the absence of a uterus and the presence of a micropenis, according to Redux.
While this revelation has ignited debate, Khelif’s genetic background was previously under scrutiny. In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) barred her from competing in the World Championship Gold Medal bout in New Delhi due to her chromosomal profile.
Following the leak, social media erupted in outrage, with several X users expressing their opinions. One user commented, “Now arrest him on assault charges,” while another argued, “Italian boxer Angela Carini should be given the gold medal.” A third user questioned, “How didn’t [she] even reach Quarter final?” and a fourth added, “And an apology in front of a big audience by İman Khelif.”
British media personality Piers Morgan also weighed in on the matter, asserting that Khelif’s medical records prove she is biologically male.
Confirmation of what some of us said at the time: Khelif is a biological man. The gold medal should now be stripped and awarded to the best actual woman. https://t.co/iqVlqQhrwr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 4, 2024
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s gender transcended sports, surfacing in the US presidential election. Former President Donald Trump used her case in campaign material to criticize the Biden administration’s gender policy in sports, turning Khelif’s story into an election talking point. Republican figures, including Vivek Ramaswamy and JD Vance, echoed Trump’s stance, asserting that they would oppose men participating in women’s sports categories.
Undertaker says “protecting” women’s sports from trans people is a huge priority for him this election and brings his young daughter out to show why.
Trump/Taker then talk about the Olympic boxing drama as the former president repeatedly refers to Imane Khelif as a man. pic.twitter.com/f8PUYdxV5x— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) October 21, 2024
Khelif, however, has maintained her stance. “I'm a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified,” she stated. The boxer cited the impact of high-profile critics such as Trump, author J.K. Rowling, and tech billionaire Elon Musk in intensifying the backlash. Khelif has filed a criminal complaint with French authorities, accusing Rowling and Musk of “acts of aggravated cyber harassment.”
Also Read: Paris Olympics: Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif's Quick Win Sparks Controversy