Imane Khelif, who won gold at Paris Olympics, ‘confirmed’ as a man in leaked medical reports
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who captured attention at the Paris Olympics for clinching the gold in women’s boxing, is facing renewed scrutiny following the release of a medical report casting doubt on her suitability for female competition.Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who grabbed attention at the Paris Olympics by clinching a gold medal in women’s boxing, is back in the spotlight following the release of a medical report casting doubt on her suitability for female competitions.
French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia obtained a report revealing that Khelif suffers from a condition affecting sexual development, leading to ambiguous genitalia and a reduction in secondary male traits.
According to the information provided, she was reported to have internal testes and XY chromosome configuration, indicating a possible 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a genetic condition.
In June 2023, a report was jointly crafted by healthcare experts from Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers. This report provided a comprehensive analysis of Khelif’s biological structure, highlighting the lack of a uterus and the presence of a micropenis. Furthermore, it proposed a treatment plan involving surgical intervention and hormonal adjustments to help Khelif’s physical characteristics better match her gender identity.
The female athlete from Algeria has consistently garnered attention for her involvement in sports for women. In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) prohibited her from taking part in the gold medal showdown at the World Championship held in New Delhi. This ruling sparked considerable debate, particularly among supporters of clear gender distinctions in sports.
At the Paris Olympics, the spotlight shone brightly on the controversy involving Khelif, prompting prominent public figures like Piers Morgan to demand a reevaluation of Khelif’s qualifications. The discussion on gender-based sports policies was further fueled by former US President Donald Trump, who emphasized the significance of this case.
