In a shocking development, Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who recently clinched a gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, is facing scrutiny over her gender identity following a leaked medical report. The document, obtained by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, indicates that Khelif has internal testicles and XY chromosomes, suggesting a condition known as 5-alpha reductase insufficiency.
The report, compiled by medical experts at the Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers in June 2023, details Khelif’s biological characteristics. Among these findings are the presence of internal testicles and the absence of a uterus, alongside an MRI that reportedly shows a micropenis.
While this information may come as a surprise to some, it is not entirely new; Khelif’s XY chromosomes were previously made public. In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) had already banned her from competing in the World Championship Gold Medal fight due to her biological classification, which sparked significant controversy and debate within the sports community.
The implications of these revelations are vast, raising questions about the criteria for gender classification in sports, particularly for athletes competing in women’s categories. Khelif’s case has reignited discussions surrounding fairness, inclusion, and the complex nature of gender identity in athletics. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how governing bodies will respond and what impact this will have on Khelif’s future in the sport.
