IMane Khelif was once the focus of one of the biggest controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympics revolving around her true gender question. Despite winning the 66 kg female Olympic gold medal, Khelif was questioned by some individuals and organizations about biological gender.
The source of the incident started in 2023, when the International Boxing Federation (IBA) suddenly eliminated the iMane Khelif from the final of the world championship in India, citing the reason “the results of unmistakable medical examination”.
Many sources believe that she has “XY chromosomes” and testosterone levels exceeding the allowed threshold in female athletes. However, the specific details of the test results have never been transparent by IBA.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee spoke out to protect Khelif. According to IOC, she is fully eligible to play as a female athlete, because Khelif has a valid identification, was born and registered for sex as a female since childhood, and has never experienced transgender process. IOC also warned that public opinion should not “turn her into victims of the false information campaign” and call for respect for personal privacy.
Khelif himself also denied the allegations. In a strong statement, she asserted: “I am a woman, born as a woman, growing up as a woman, and I played for a lifetime as a woman.” The boxer born in 1999 announced that he would sue individuals and organizations that spread false information, damaging her honor and career.
The incident has sparked fierce debate about identifying gender in professional sports, especially after World Boxing – IBA replacement organization – announcing a new policy to request chromosome testing if there is doubt about athletes gender.
Despite the noise, Khelif still shines at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 with an impressive performance and winning gold – a historical achievement for the Algerian female boxing boxing. She has also been appointed by UNICEF to inspire teenagers, becoming a symbol of energy, bravery and pride in modern sports.