The ongoing debate regarding the gender of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has reached a crucial point after her team published significant findings from a prominent endocrinologist. This revelation comes just days after Khelif secured an Olympic gold medal in Paris, a victory overshadoawed by controversy. The scandal began when the International Boxing Association (IBA) excluded her from the 2023 World Championships, claiming that a gender eligibility test suggested she had XY chromosomes, typically associated with males, sparking widespread debate.
Khelif’s path in Paris was a mix of triumph and controversy. Despite winning the gold medal, questions about her gender persisted, with some accusing her of having an unfair advantage. Attention intensified when her father presented her birth certificate on French television, confirming that she was born a woman. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also supported Khelif, dismissing the IBA’s tests as unreliable and affirming her right to compete in the female category.
The latest twist in this saga occurred when Khelif’s coach, George Cazorla, shared findings from an endocrinologist at the University Hospital of Paris. According to Cazorla, the doctor confirmed that, although Khelif has some chromosomal and hormonal anomalies, she is biologically female. Khelif’s team has been working with a doctor in Algeria to monitor and regulate her testosterone levels, which are now within the typical female range. Cazorla noted that recent tests show a decrease in Khelif’s muscle mass and other physical attributes, countering claims of any unfair advantage.
The controversy surrounding Khelif intensified after her victory over Italian Angela Carini, leading to further speculation about her gender. As the debate grew, public figures like Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and swimmer Riley Gaines spoke out, with Gaines controversially stating that “men do not belong in women’s sports.” However, Khelif also received support from notable figures like footballer Ismael Bennacer and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who argued that the IBA’s tests had been misinterpreted and that definitive proof of XY chromosomes had not been provided.
Khelif’s dominant performance at the Olympics, especially her victory over 2023 World Championship gold medalist Liu Yang, was seen by many as a definitive response to the allegations. She outperformed her opponent in all three rounds, leaving no doubt about her skill and superiority in the ring. After her victory, Khelif addressed the controversy directly, stating, “I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, lived as a woman, competed as a woman—there is no doubt about that.”
While the debate may persist in some circles, the findings published by Khelif’s team provide strong validation for the boxer. There are hopes that this clarification will help put an end to the controversy, allowing Khelif to fully celebrate her achievements and continue her career without the cloud of doubt surrounding her.
