Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif confirmed as man in leaked medical reports. Internet outraged

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 testicles and 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.

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.