A leaked medical report has allegedly confirmed that Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who won gold in the women’s 66kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is biologically male. The report, obtained by journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, indicates that Khelif has internal testicles and XY chromosomes, suggesting a condition known as 5-alpha reductase deficiency (5-αRD). This revelation has sparked outrage among public figures and social media users, with calls for the Olympic Committee to revoke her gold medal. Khelif maintains her identity as a woman and has previously faced scrutiny regarding her eligibility for female competitions.
Medical Findings and Public Outcry
The controversial medical report was drafted by specialists from the Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023. It details Khelif’s biological traits, including the presence of internal testicles, a lack of a uterus, and indications of a micropenis. The report also recommended surgical correction and hormone therapy to align Khelif’s physical traits with her self-perceived gender identity. Public figures have reacted strongly; former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh demanded that the Olympic authorities revoke Khelif’s gold medal, stating on social media, “Take the Gold back @Olympics. This isn’t fair.” Piers Morgan echoed these sentiments, asserting that Khelif should not have been allowed to compete in women’s boxing due to her biological traits.
Background Context
Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing has been contentious since before the Olympics. In 2023, she was banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) from competing in the World Championship Gold Medal fight in New Delhi due to similar concerns regarding her gender classification. Despite this ban, she was allowed to compete in the Olympics after meeting eligibility criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stated that no scientific consensus exists on gender and fairness issues. The recent leak of her medical report has reignited debates over gender identity in sports, particularly as it coincides with heightened political discourse surrounding gender policies in athletics. Critics argue that allowing individuals with male biological traits to compete in women’s categories undermines fairness in sports.
Official Statements and Reactions
The leaked medical report has intensified discussions among officials and commentators about gender classifications in sports. While the IOC has previously maintained that Khelif met their eligibility criteria based on her identification documents, many are calling for a reevaluation of these standards following the report’s release. Activist Riley Gaines remarked on social media, “Remember the man who won an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing? His medical reports show he has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, & a micropenis.” This situation has also been politicized; former US President Donald Trump cited Khelif’s case in discussions about gender-based sports policies during his campaign. Khelif herself has filed complaints against prominent figures for alleged cyber harassment related to the controversy. This version includes appropriate subheadings and removes The Logical Indian’s perspective while incorporating official statements and reactions from public figures regarding Imane Khelif’s situation.
