Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who recently won gold in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has come under scrutiny again following the leak of a medical report questioning her eligibility for female competition.
The report, accessed by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, indicated that Khelif has internal testiclesand an XY chromosome makeup, which may signal a genetic condition known as 5-alpha reductase deficiency. This condition impacts sexual development, often resulting in ambiguous genitalia and limiting secondary male characteristics.
The report, prepared collaboratively by medical professionals from Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023, detailed Khelif’s anatomy, including the absence of a uterus and the presence of what was described as a micropenis. It also recommended surgical correction and hormone therapy, aimed at aligning Khelif’s physical traits with her self-perceived gender identity.
pic.twitter.com/yqX8nR47DEBRICS News (@BRICSinfo) November 4, 2024
Khelif’s participation in female sports has faced previous challenges. In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) barred her from competing in the World Championship gold medal match in New Delhi, citing similar concerns. The revelation has stirred significant controversy, especially among those who advocate for strict gender classifications in sports.
Notable public figures, including Piers Morgan, commented on the matter, calling for a review of Khelif’s eligibility, while others, like former US President Donald Trump, highlighted the case in discussions surrounding gender-based sports policies.
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/iqVlqQhrwrPiers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 4, 2024
Online reactions have been intense, with a range of voices criticising Khelif. Some commenters suggested revisiting Khelif’s eligibility, with one remarking that "Italian boxer Angela Carini should be given the gold medal." Others voiced strong sentiments, with one criticising Khelif’s participation as “unfair” and another calling for a public apology.
Remember the man who won an Olympic gold medal in womens boxing?His medical reports show he has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, & a micropenis.But that never matteredthey believe that words & feelings make you woman, not biology.https://t.co/Ip8KLvEt6SRiley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) November 4, 2024
The Olympics wanted you to believe this is a WOMAN. Imane Khelif was allowed to beat up women and claim a gold medal. Those that stood up against the injustice were called racist.Now, medical reports reveal Imane Khelif is in fact a MALE. pic.twitter.com/BJuhpmbzCyOli London (@OliLondonTV) November 4, 2024
To the people who tried to cover this up: Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif, is confirmed to have XY chromosomes and IS A MAN.When will we stop erasing women for the sake of inclusivity? Women deserve better!https://t.co/5BWbPOIRV1Kaitlynn Wheeler (@WheelerKaitlynn) November 4, 2024
Reminder that Angela Carini was dragged through the mud because she dared to cry after being punched in the face repeatedly by known man, Imane Khelif.She was accused of using her White Woman Tears to oppress a racial minority. She was made out to be a racist and a far-right pic.twitter.com/tKoCV25ZVjSugam Tripathi (@Sugamcasm) November 5, 2024
Responding to earlier controversies, Khelif had defended her position, asserting her identity as a woman: "I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified." She also reported that prominent figures, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling, had fuelled the media coverage affecting her career. Subsequently, Khelif filed a complaint with French authorities, alleging aggravated online harassment.
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