Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who recently won gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, is at the center of a fierce controversy regarding her gender identification. This situation has arisen from a leaked medical report that raises serious questions about her eligibility to compete in women's sports. The document was obtained by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia and reveals Khelif has internal testicles and XY chromosomes, indicating a condition known as 5-alpha reductase insufficiency.
The report, prepared by medical experts from the Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers, details Khelif's biological traits. It states she has internal testicles and lacks a uterus. An MRI further indicates the presence of a micropenis, as reported by Reduxx Magazine.
Although these findings have sparked outrage, they are not entirely new. In 2023, Khelif was banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) from competing in the World Championship Gold Medal fight in New Delhi due to her XY chromosomes. This latest leak has ignited fresh debates about her participation in women's sports.
Following the report's release, social media erupted with criticism directed at Khelif. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their anger, with comments like, "Now arrest him on assault charges," and calls for Italian boxer Angela Carini to receive the gold medal instead. Others questioned how Khelif even managed to reach the quarterfinals, with one user demanding an apology from her.
Reduxx Magazine has consistently scrutinized Khelif's eligibility to compete as a woman. The publication's involvement in her case has been controversial, especially given its history of questioning female athletes' identities. Reduxx, led by Anna Slatz, has faced allegations of promoting far-right views and sympathizing with extremist movements, claims that Slatz has denied.
In response to the intense scrutiny and cyberbullying, Khelif has taken legal action. She has filed a significant lawsuit against several public figures, including Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and J.K. Rowling. Khelif accuses them of fostering an environment that allows online harassment to flourish. This move underscores the personal toll that the ongoing controversy has taken on her.
Supporters of Khelif argue that the media's focus on her personal medical details constitutes harassment. They believe this issue highlights the urgent need for clearer guidelines regarding privacy and eligibility in women's sports. This situation calls for protections to ensure that athletes are not subjected to undue public scrutiny or bullying.
Earlier this month, false reports circulated claiming that Khelif had been stripped of her Olympic title. The World Boxing Organization had to step in to clarify that these rumors were untrue. After her victory in Paris, Khelif has expressed her desire to transition into professional boxing.
During a media address, she shared, "I would like to hold a press conference to share my success story with young women." Khelif also revealed that a documentary about her journey is in production, set to air on international platforms. With multiple offers on the table, she remains focused on her future in professional boxing, aiming to elevate the profile of Algerian athletes in the sport.
