With controversy surrounding leaked medical report rampant, Imane Khelif recently detailed her childhood struggles
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is once again in the spotlight as recent leaked medical reports have raised questions about her eligibility to compete against female competitors. The 25-year-old overcame substantial backlash to clinch the gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite facing criticism from various public figures, including J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by her, affirming her right to compete. The IOC condemned her earlier disqualification by the International Boxing Association (IBA) as "sudden and arbitrary."
Amid the swirling controversy, Khelif recently opened up about her challenging childhood, growing up in Biban Mesbah, a rural village in Tiaret Province. As the eldest of six siblings, she often took on responsibilities beyond her years.
Shedding light on her struggles during her appearance on Vogue Arabia's November 2024 issue, she claimed that boxing became her sanctuary and a means to channel her energy and rebellious spirit. She said:
“I loved sports at school. I was always one of the best players. I fell in love with boxing from my very first day of training. I felt it was the perfect sport for me, and I knew I could achieve great results. Besides, boxing is the sport of the poor." [H/t: Vogue Arabia]
Khelif also shared that in a setting where opportunities were limited, she would sell bread and collect recyclables to finance her gym visits:
“I sold bread on the roadside and collected plastic, aluminium, and iron to save money to get myself to the gym and back. My coach, Mohamed Chaoua, always told me that one day I’d be an Olympic champion. He taught me the importance and value of that. I made sacrifices in many areas, in my personal life, my education. I did everything to reach the top.”
As for the medical report prepared collaboratively by medical professionals from Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023, Khelif allegedly has a rare genetic condition affecting her sexual development.
The report indicates the presence of an XY chromosome pattern, characteristics typically associated with 5-alpha reductase deficiency. This condition can result in ambiguous genitalia and atypical development of secondary male characteristics.
It's important to note that the reports regarding Khelif's gender identity are based on unverified allegations and leaked medical documents. Khelif has been classified as a female competitor by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has competed in the women's category throughout her professional career.
Riley Gaines sparks gender debate in sports following fresh allegations against Imane Khelif
The gender identity debate in sports is back in the spotlight following fresh allegations against Imane Khelif. Recently leaked medical reports claim that Khelif has XY chromosomes, and male-range testosterone levels, which has sparked a wave of criticism.
Riley Gaines, an American political activist renowned for campaigning against the participation of trans women in women's sports, took to X to react to the news and wrote:
"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 micrope*is. But that never mattered—they believe that words & feelings make you woman, not biology."
Check out Riley Gaines' X post below: